Pos-Darwinista writes to draw our attention to
A quick guide to effective grassroots advocacy for scientists
Abstract: The current political climate in the United States has mobilized scientists to become more cognizant of the need to advocate for sustainable science funding from the federal government and for acceptance of evidence-based policy making that relies on the best available scientific data. Many scientists, however, do not learn about science policy or how to advocate in Washington, D.C., or at the local level as part of their scientific training. Here we explain why science advocacy is important and provide steps on how to get involved by communicating with elected officials and engaging in the local community. pdf (public access)
What’s the problem here? People are not listening to scientists the way they used to?
Okay, something has changed. It’s more likely that science has changed than that human nature has changed. But what?
Still, most peer review, scandals are rarified. You might care if you knew but usually you don’t. On the other hand, the corruptocrat crime labs damage people who may never have spent much time thinking about science until now. But now they think about it negatively.
Then there are the global doomsayers whose own environmental footprint might be visible from the moon on a clear day.
Those are the sorts of doubts that are fanned rather than assuaged by the tone deafness we so often encounter.
Worse, when scientists hit the streets waving signs and chanting doggerel, they melt into the mass of angry identity groups. Shouting louder, as Nature advises the cautious, won’t help. Lots of people can shout louder than most scientists.
See also: Marchin’, marchin’ for Science (Hint: the problems are back at your desk, not out in the streets)
Blinkers Award goes to… Tom Nichols at Scientific American! On why Americans “hate science”
and
The war on freedom is rotting our intellectual life: Intersectionality