Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL)

Mark your calendar for Science Talk ‘25 on April 3-4! Join ESAL for our interactive workshop: Using SciComm to Engage with Local Policy Makers. Here's what you'll learn at our session: ?? Effective strategies for building trust with policymakers ??? Tools to craft compelling messages that resonate with local leaders ? Real-world success stories of science driving community change ?? Action steps to become a go-to resource in your city or county If you are passionate about using your expertise to shape local policies on climate, infrastructure, public health, and more, this session is for you. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gvJFFDFi #ESAL

Federal policies on climate, infrastructure, and public health are rapidly evolving, and the effects of these changes are being felt in cities and counties across the country. ESAL Founder Arti Garg and Executive Director Taylor S., emphasize that this moment is both an exciting opportunity and a vital call to action for deeper local civic engagement. At the local level, decisions on energy projects, transportation improvements, and community health initiatives can have lasting impacts. Scientists, engineers, and other technical professionals possess valuable expertise that can help shape effective policies, bridge knowledge gaps, and ensure that community priorities are understood and addressed. ??Read ESAL’s latest article: https://lnkd.in/ggz23nN6 You will learn: ?? How recent federal shifts are influencing state and local decision-making ?? Why this is a pivotal moment for STEM pros to act ?? Real examples of engineers and scientists driving change ??? Tips to find your place in local government and advocacy If you are concerned about climate resilience, equitable infrastructure, or public health challenges, there has never been a better time to leverage your expertise in the service of your community. Engaging locally can make an immediate and tangible impact. Read the article now and share one action you plan to take to support your community in 2025. #ESAL

Civics Learning Week may be coming to a close, but your journey to a more vibrant, engaged community is just getting started! ??? Over the past few days, we’ve explored topics like redistricting, voting plans, and local government 101, yet there’s so much more to learn. Ready to dive deeper into local government? Request a customized Civic Engagement Workshop from ESAL! Our workshops can help you and your organization: ??Understand the structure of local government and how to engage ??Identify the key decision-makers and access points in your city or county ??Develop practical strategies to advocate for the issues you care about ??Strengthen collaboration within your community and build relationships Whether you’re a community group, a professional association, or just a passionate individual looking to make a difference, we’ll tailor the session to your unique goals. Secure your workshop spot by filling out this quick form: https://lnkd.in/gNjE4zZ7 Let’s keep the momentum going.?? #CivicsLearningWeek #LocalGovernment #CommunityEngagement #CivicsEducation #ESAL #Workshop

Civics Learning Week is almost over, but there’s still time to level up your civic engagement! ??? One of the easiest ways to get involved in local policy is by voting, and having a who-you’re-voting-for plan makes that even more powerful. Our “Help America Vote” postcard has quick tips to prepare: 1?? Get a sample ballot (e.g., Ballotpedia.org) 2?? Read the platforms of local candidates 3?? Research any ballot measures (propositions, initiatives, referendums) 4?? Use BallotReady.org for voter guides you can print or email By heading to the polls with a plan in place, you’ll be ready to make your voice heard on the issues that matter most in your community. ??? Explore more civics resources before the week is over: https://lnkd.in/gg5_EHWj #CivicsLearningWeek #Voting #LocalGovernment #CommunityEngagement #MakeAPlan #ESAL

It’s still Civics Learning Week, and today, we’re diving into redistricting: the process that decides how your congressional and legislative districts are drawn every 10 years! ??? Why does this matter? Because these boundaries can affect who gets elected, which laws pass, and how your community’s voice is heard. Our “State-level Redistricting Criteria” infographic breaks down four key factors states consider when redrawing districts: ??Contiguity (must be physically connected) ??Political Boundaries (county/city lines) ??Compactness (keeping constituents close) ??Community of Interest (groups with shared needs or interests) Take a closer look and learn how you can stay informed about your own district’s shape. ??? Download the infographic here: https://lnkd.in/giRGiucU #CivicsLearningWeek #Redistricting #LocalGovernment #CommunityEngagement #CivicsEducation #ESAL

Happy Civics Learning Week! ??? Want to explore your local government but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with our new “Digital Roadmap to Your Local Government” infographic. ??? This handy guide breaks down the online resources for: ?State sites (agencies, legislative info, and more) ?County portals (department listings, commission details) ?City pages (council websites, city data tools) ?Other local entities (utility boards, school districts, regional bodies) Dive in to discover representative finders, legislation trackers, and everything else you need to stay informed and engaged in your community. ??? Download it here: https://lnkd.in/gg5_EHWj #CivicsLearningWeek #CivicsEducation #LocalGovernment #Engagement #CommunityLeadership #ESAL

Mark your calendars for March 10–14 ??? It's Civics Learning Week! At ESAL, we believe understanding your local government is one of the most powerful ways to make a positive impact in your community. ??? That’s why we’re highlighting our “Local Government 101” resources, where you’ll find: ??Practical tips on how to attend and speak at city council meetings ??Guidance for joining local boards and commissions ??An overview of how municipal budgets work ??Strategies to help you collaborate with your neighbors and local officials Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or just beginning your civic journey, these lessons will give you the insights you need to get involved at the local level. ?? Explore the full guide here: https://lnkd.in/gg5_EHWj Join us in celebrating Civics Learning Week by learning, sharing, and taking steps toward more informed local engagement. ?? #CivicsLearningWeek #CivicsEducation #LocalGovernment #CommunityLeadership #Engagement #ESAL

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Cristian L. ??, the newest member of the ESAL communications team! Cristian is an ambitious, detail-oriented paid search specialist who recently earned his Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce certificate. Driven by a genuine passion for digital marketing, Cristian combines innovative thinking with data-driven insights to deliver measurable ROI and elevate brand visibility. ?? We’re thrilled to see how Cristian’s expertise in paid search and digital outreach will shape ESAL’s communications, helping us connect more people to local government resources and civic engagement opportunities. Stay tuned for fresh campaigns that will elevate our mission to empower communities everywhere. ?? Drop a note of congratulations or ask Cristian about his journey in the comments below. Welcome aboard, Cristian! ?? #ESAL

It's this Thursday! Join us March 6, 10-11:00AM MST to learn about the ISTPF! Hear from current fellow Ellen Upton, PhD, alumni fellow Anna Briggs, Ph.D. and program staff Megan Foster, Ph.D. Sarah Robey Jared L Talley. This is a great time to ask Qs! Application deadline March 30! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gsV5XVgK Flagging for Boise State University School of Public Service Idaho State University University of Idaho McClure Center University of Idaho Idaho STEM Action Center Idaho National Laboratory Battelle POWER Engineers Micron Foundation Micron Technology California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) MOST Policy Initiative Eagleton Institute of Politics Rockefeller Institute of Government North Carolina Sea Grant AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships AAAS Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine TechCongress Scientific Citizenship Initiative The Institute for Science & Policy SACNAS Latinas in Tech Latinas in STEM Black Women in Technology Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (oSTEM) Women of Color in Research Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL) Science and Technology Policy Academy Science Policy Jobs Mirzayan Fellowship National Society of Black Engineers Association for Women in Science Graduate Women in Science CUPSO #STPF #scipol #techpol #scicomm

We’ve heard your questions about our new accessibility plug-in! Here’s the step-by-step on how to use it to browse ESAL’s site with ease! ? 1?? Find the Icon Look for the purple accessibility symbol on the screen when you visit esal.us. 2?? Open the Menu Click the icon to reveal customization options such as text enlargement, color contrast adjustments, and more. 3?? Choose Your Settings Experiment with the features that suit your needs. You can enlarge text, enable high contrast, or even use a screen reader mode. Changes apply instantly, so you can see what works best for you right away! At ESAL, we believe in an inclusive experience for all, ensuring everyone can explore and engage in local government. If you have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comments below! #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #CivicEngagement #LocalGovernment #ESAL #UserExperience