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.
In 2021 we decided to go back to basics – water, food, and education and workforce. Focusing on these interconnected basics allows us to not only improve lives, but also to improve the economy and the environment. We identified “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.
Education & Workforce
Evidence-based practices that build a birth to retirement pipeline of skilled workers.
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 Food Cycles
Understanding what we have, how communities work together, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
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.
The Action Network
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 action network - so we can send you specific calls to action.
Thank you for making science matter here!
State of Science in Georgia
2021-2022 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 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.
View our Bill Evaluation Rubric here.
2021 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.
The 2022 Session (Jan - Apr) is a continuation. Understand which bills are still valid and decide your support for them.
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.
State of Georgia Science
Check here for the results of our 2020-21 State of Georgia Science Survey.
Georgia Insights
Check here 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.