Monday, August 12, 2019: 10:15 AM-11:30 AM
M101/102, Kentucky International Convention Center
Speakers:
Aimee Gotway Bailey
,
Christopher Tokita
and
Chris Rothfuss
Communities thrive when all members participate and meet challenges together, and democracies thrive when individuals are engaged with their local governments. Civic engagement can be an important and enriching experience for anyone, regardless of their background or career path. Scientists and engineers can offer unique contributions to their local communities and to city, county, and state governments, including inquiry-driven and evidence-based approaches to solving problems and technical expertise in specific subjects. However, we have found that although many scientists and engineers want to be more involved in their local communities, many don’t know where to begin. In this session, Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally will host a panel of STEM professionals who have made substantive contributions to their communities through state and local government engagement. Our panelists will tell their stories about how they got involved locally and how they’re making a difference. The types of activities described include advocating to change a local law, joining a local commission, advising a lawmaker, and serving in elected office. We will also discuss the state of local engagement in the scientific community, what hurdles scientists and engineers face to getting more involved, and what efforts are being undertaken to increase local engagement by scientists and engineers. This session will contribute to an ongoing conversation on civic engagement by members of the scientific community, and we hope that attendees will leave inspired with new ideas for how they can get more involved in their own communities.
