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 topics you can advocate for, Georgia policy decisions and S&T opinions, and how to effectively advocate. We welcome your support!
Issues of Interest
Water
Water connects all Georgians together. It support our lives, our health, our ecosystem, and our economy.
Food
Being able to access food and our food choices impact our health, our lives, the economy, and the environment
Education
Access to stable housing, greenspaces, and educational opportunities impact our ability to thrive.
Breaking the Cycle of Environmental Health Disparities
SciTober 2020 Fest featured some excellent speakers on the Environmental Impact on Health and Poverty, and on Children with Disabilities. Please check out what they talked about and how you can get involved.
Please Vote
Red, blue, or purple - it doesn't matter your political affiliation. Voting is the one thing everyone can do and everyone should do. This month, along with several partners, we will offer plenty of information on voting to make sure you get out there and get your voice heard.
State of Science in Georgia
2019-2020 Georgia General Assembly Legislative Scorecard
Science for Georgia has developed a rubric to score legislation on use of science. Download our analysis of recent legislative sessions. Use the rubric to score legislation on your own.
2021-2022 Georgia General Assembly Bill Tracker and Scorecard
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 are in the middle of the 2021-2022 session. The legislators have adjourned for the year, but bills that have not passed are still available to be considered in 2022.
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.
Bill Evaluation Rubric
| Scientific Merit - Does it utilize scientific research accurately? | Does Not Utilize Science - No, this does not present scientific research accurately. Here's why.... | -- | -- | Follows Science - Yes, this does follow scientific research accurately. Here's why.... |
| Stakeholder Perception Who is going to be impacted? Is it equitable? List stakeholders & opinions. | Negative - Majority of stakeholders disagree | -- | -- | Positive - Majority of stakeholders agree |
| Reach Does it reach its target audience? | No Impact - No impact on target audience. | Narrow Impact - Impacts narrow segment. | Majority Impact - Impacts majority; exceptions. | All Impacted - Affects all target audience equally |
| Measurable Metrics? - We recommend looking at at least 3 measureable etrics. Is the data available or being measured? | No Ability to Track - There is no data and it is not accessible | Limited Ability to Track - A minimal amount of data exists OR the data is not accessible. | Mostly Trackable - A majority of the data exists and is mainly accessible | Complete Transparency - All data exists AND is available to track metrics |
| Political Feasibility - Level of opposition and partisan disagreement. | Majority Opposed - Majority disagreed, regardless of party. | Party-Line Split - Vote along party-lines. | Majority in Favor - Few dissenting votes. | Complete Consensus - Zero to five 'Nays' |
The budget controls what happens in Georgia. If there isn’t money put aside for a program, or if it is underfunded, it becomes an “unfunded mandate” or “wishful thinking.” Unlike the Federal Government, the Georgia Government must balance it’s budget; there is no deficit spending.
The Georgia Policy and Budget Institute has comprehensive information on budget, check out their Overview of the 2022 Budget that was passed in 2021.
Water is another of Science for Georgia’s three main focuses areas this year. Our friends at Protect Georgia maintain a comprehensive water legislation tracker. While their tracker offers outright support or opposition, many of the issues being tracked have been independently researched by Science for Georgia and you can learn more about them on our Water Stewardship Page.
Coming Soon! State of Georgia Science.
Check back for an interactive map on Georgia demographics and legislative activities.
Learn to Advocate
Brush up your advocacy skills
Check our our How-To library to learn effective ways to write your legislator, motive people to act, and much more.
Lean to be an effective communictor
Take your communication skills to the next level by taking a communications class.