Advocate for Science
"They should really do something about this!" - said everyone at some point in their lives. But who is they? Where are they?
The truth is there is no they. There is only you and me. We're glad you are here to learn about science topics that can improve our world, stay up-to-date on associated Georgia policies (or potential policies), and how you can effectively advocate. We welcome your support!
Issues of Interest
Our mission is to highlight how science can impact people’s lives and advocates for the responsible use of science in public policy. We do this by engaging with policymakers and working to ensure that at each step of the legislative process the most relevant and up-to-date science and data are considered.
We focus on topics where many branches of science can come together to improve lives, the economy, and the environment. We identify “science levers,” pivot points that can make a difference in breaking out of vicious cycles surrounding subjects such as food insecurity and low-literacy and turning them into virtuous cycles where a rising tide lifts all boats.
Just as we did not end up in vicious cycles overnight, we cannot expect to rebuild Rome in one day. Patience and persistence in the form of relentless incrementalism is how sound research is done, and how real progress is made. Below find issues where there are evidence-based science levers that can create positive change.
Environmental Health
From food to water to land - supply, access, and utilization impacts our health, our lives, the economy, and the environment. This interconnectedness is studied via a broad scientific area referred to as environmental health. Below we highlight important science applications to drive virtuous cycles.
Healthy Water Systems
Protecting our water resources from external harm and utilizing them in a sustainable manner.
Healthy Land Utilization
Understanding soil is a part of the biome can aid us in understand how we can utilize land for all our needs.
Healthy Food Cycles
Understanding what we have, how communities work together, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
Education & Workforce
Evidence-based practices that build a birth to retirement pipeline of skilled workers.
Throughout the year, and especially during the legislative session, there will be opportunities to reach out to policy makers and government officials to provide information and commentary on specific issues (especially those highlighted above).
If you would like to be contacted about these opportunities, please click the button to sign up for our Newsletter and to sign up for the Catalyzer Action Network - so we can send you specific calls to action.
Thank you for making science matter here!
State of Science in Georgia
2023-24 Georgia General Assembly Scorecard and Bill Tracker
During each legislative session, there are hundreds of bills that Georgia's General Assembly members deliberate on. Tracking all of them is a herculean task, and here we present bill trackers for some select pieces of legislation that effects science and technology or should utilize science and technology.
Each General Assembly Session lasts for two years. Right now, we have kicked off the 2023-24 session.
As a nonprofit organization, our motives for this type of information gathering are to disseminate scientific knowledge to public and not to support or reject specific legislation. Instead, we have created a rubric to evaluate the science utilized in the legislation.
There are many things to consider aside from “scientific scope” such as economics, politics, pragmatism, fairness, morality, and cost. We encourage you to think about legislation from all angles. Herein, find information from the science point-of-view. It should be but one factor when considering legislation.
View our Bill Evaluation Rubric here.
2021-22 Legislative RoundUp
The Georgia General Assembly wrapped up it’s 2-year session in April 2022. Science was present in some bills and absent in others.
On Aug 16, 2022 we hosted a Legislative Roundup. Watch the recording or download our summary.
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