The Union of Concerned Scientists cordially invites you to the following event at the Advancing Indigenous People in STEM (AISES) 2025 conference, which is being held October 2-4 in Minneapolis, MN.
For those attending in person, visit UCS on the Exhibit Floor at Booth 1425! Take action, grab swag, and learn more about science-informed advocacy.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Storytelling as a tool for science advocacy
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM CDT
208 CD
Cuts and threats to science funding and science-based decision making do not only impact STEM professionals; they impact our families and communities. Scientists can be powerful messengers to communicate these impacts to the public and to decision makers–once they have the right framework. This workshop will present the public narrative storytelling framework that students and scientists can use to share their personal story with decision makers to help advocate for protecting science at the local, state, or federal level.
Together, we will explore the components of crafting an effective public narrative for policy advocacy. Panelists will share prompts and questions that participants can use to shape and adapt their own stories to advocacy, as well as examples of how to weave storytelling into policy engagement efforts. There will be time for individuals to work on their public narrative and share with others to get feedback.
Panelists:
- Melissa Varga, Science Network Senior Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists
- Sarah Goodspeed, Outreach Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists
- Pablo Ortiz-Partida, Director of Innovation and Collaboration, Union of Concerned Scientists