͵ÅÄ͵¿ú

Society News

Taking action at a state level

Sarina Neote
July 11, 2023

At the ͵ÅÄ͵¿ú and ͵ÅÄ͵¿ú Biology, the public affairs department and the Public Affairs Advisory Committee work together to ensure that policymakers hear from scientists on proposals and changes that would affect the scientific community and scientific research. We strongly believe scientists must be partners in creating a science policy that works for researchers and for the larger innovation pipeline.

The efforts of the staff and the PAAC focus on the federal government; we work with Congress and with federal agencies. However, a good chunk of governing and policymaking happens at the state level. That’s why ASBMB members need to be engaged in state advocacy issues. We can help.

We’ve heard from members that they want to work at the state level to make sure bad policies aren’t enacted and cause harm to the research enterprise as a whole. In the past year alone, numerous bills have been introduced that, if passed, would have a huge impact on the research communities in multiple states. For example:

  • introduced to the state legislature that would criminalize the administration of mRNA vaccines across the state.
  • In Florida, , which would prohibit state universities from using funds to promote, support, or maintain any programs that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • And in Ohio, to remove any required training or courses on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

But it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to state advocacy.

That’s where we can help you. The ASBMB public affairs team has put together a state advocacy toolkit to get you started. You can find it at asbmb.org/advocacy. It’s so important to participate in the governing structures of the states and communities where you live and work, whether that’s the state legislature or the county board of education. And it’s important for all policymakers, at the local, state, or federal level, to hear directly from scientists about issues affecting the scientific community.

We suggest three courses of action you can take at the local level:

  • Reach out to your local representative and set up a meeting.
  • Organize a letter-writing campaign.
  • Write an op-ed on a specific issue and get it published in a local newspaper.

Our toolkit walks you through the steps of how to communicate about an issue, either verbally or in writing, gather support in your community, and/or connect with organizations that are already doing this work in your area.

And you can always reach out to the public affairs staff at publicaffairs@asbmb.org with any questions or concerns. Scientists need to make their voices heard, and we’re here to help.

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?

Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition weekly.

Learn more
Sarina Neote

Sarina Neote is ASBMB's director of public affairs.

Get the latest from ASBMB Today

Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in Policy

Policy highlights or most popular articles

Applied research won’t flourish without basic science
Essay

Applied research won’t flourish without basic science

Oct. 6, 2024

Three senior figures at the US National Institutes of Health explain why the agency remains committed to supporting basic science and research.

ASBMB weighs in on NIH reform proposal
Blotter

ASBMB weighs in on NIH reform proposal

Sept. 25, 2024

The agency must continue to prioritize investigator-initiated, curiosity-driven basic research, society says.

ASBMB seeks feedback on NIH postdoc training questions
Training

ASBMB seeks feedback on NIH postdoc training questions

Sept. 18, 2024

The National Institutes of Health takes steps toward addressing concerns about support caps, a funding mechanism and professional development.

5 growing threats to academic freedom
Essay

5 growing threats to academic freedom

Aug. 18, 2024

From educational gag orders to the decline of tenure-track positions, academic freedom in the United States has been worsening in recent years.

Will Congress revive the China Initiative?
Diversity

Will Congress revive the China Initiative?

Aug. 14, 2024

The 2018 program to counter economic espionage raised fears about anti-Asian discrimination and discouraged researchers.

The sweeping impact of the Supreme Court’s Chevron reversal
News

The sweeping impact of the Supreme Court’s Chevron reversal

Aug. 3, 2024

Repealing the 40-year-old doctrine throws laws on climate, conservation, health, technology and more into doubt.