CSLDF Events at the 2024 ESA Annual Meeting
The World Needs Scientists Engaged in Advocacy and Activism – Here’s Where to Start
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In a few months, America will be faced with another election cycle – which will likely have considerable ramifications on how our nation chooses to address the impacts of climate change, as well as other matters of scientific importance. In response, scientists are increasingly engaging in advocacy and activism.
In this session, CSLDF attorneys will discuss several different ways that scientists can engage in activism while making sure to reduce risks to themselves, both personally and professionally.
We will explain: The do’s-and-don’ts of interacting with Congress on legislative policy. Best practices for engaging in political advocacy outside of the workplace. Your First Amendment rights as a scientist and which important Supreme Court cases you need to know. How you can share your expertise (and supplement your income) as an expert witness. How to safely and smartly participate in collective actions like rallies, marches, and protests.
Moderator: Chris Marchesano, CSLDF Staff Attorney
Making the Leap from Science to Action
Climate change is an existential threat to humanity and as a scientific community, it is our responsibility to treat it as such. In collaboration with historically marginalized communities and activists, ecologists can engage in a variety of tactics to apply pressure on those in power to take action now. Attendees will engage directly with colleagues experienced in a range of effective activism options with opportunities to explore what works best for their career stage. This special session is a follow-on companion to the related Inspire session. All speakers attending the meeting in person will be available for in-depth questions and discussion on a variety of topics, which may include practical ways to get involved with local and online groups; choosing demands, targets, tactics, and organizing principles; creating support structures; building collective power; interacting with media; harnessing privilege, allyship and conflict resolution.
Moderator: Chris Marchesano, CSLDF Staff Attorney
Free 30-Minute Legal Consultations
CSLDF attorneys will be available for free, 30-minute, one-on-one counseling sessions with scientists attending ESA2024. These can include consultations on issues facing scientists such as First Amendment matters (for example, issues of censorship or defamation), employment concerns, strategies for safe-guarding online communications from adverse interests, or any other legal issues that scientists would like to discuss. Virtual appointments are also available via Zoom.
These one-on-ones can be scheduled ahead of time or day of, depending upon remaining availability. To schedule, please use this link or email lawyer@csldf.org.