A story on advocacy:

In short, advocacy works.

On 6/1/2020, @AmerChemSociety released a response statement to the murder of #GeorgeFloyd ( https://twitter.com/amerchemsociety/status/1267562946382778376?lang=en) Basically, the statement was inadequate.

They followed up with a video on 6/4/2020:
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/about/acs-statement-on-the-killing-of-george-floyd.html

1/13

On 6/9/2020, I sent @AmerChemSociety leadership (president, CEO, et. al.) a cover letter and an Open Letter with 250+ signatures from 50+ institutions.

A screenshot of the Open Letter is here, if you want to see the full Open Letter with all the signatures (15 pgs), DM me.

2/13

The cover letter that went with the Open Letter on 6/9/2020 is also here.

3/13

Two days later, on 6/11/2020, the CEO of ACS wrote back to both the cover letter and Open Letter. He wrote near the end:

"We will respond more fully to your letters, and suggestions, after reflection and consultation with our staff, [...] within ACS."

4/13

On 8/4/2020, exactly 8 weeks from my original Open Letter, I followed up on the CEO's letter, specifically his last two sentences here.

Two days later, 8/6/2020, I was contacted by the Executive Vice President of ACS Education, to meet on Zoom.
(I LOVE HER BTW!!)

5/13

On 8/12/2020, the CEO of ACS responded to my follow up letter (attached).

It is nice to learn some of the things that ACS is doing, but truthfully, the larger public does not know that if it is not clearly, broadly, and transparently communicated.

6/13

On 8/19/2020, I met with the Executive VP of ACS Education & short summary meetings notes (which she also contributed to) is shared here.

ACS leadership is interested in listening & communicating with the public their DIR efforts & making sustainable projects transparently.
7/13

On 8/31/2020, the President of ACS released a letter on DIR commitments and activities.

It is online here: https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/membership-and-networks/acs/welcoming/diversity/diversity-inclusion-and-respect-letter-august-2020.html

Here is a screenshot:

8/13

#SciComm #RealTimeChem #Advocacy

Is the statement perfect? No.

Does the statement solve systemic injustice and inequity in the scientific community? No.

Is the journey over? No.

Is this a step forward in the right direction? Yes.

9/13

Does this help improve transparency & communication in the scientific community? Yes.

Does this help bring more attention to these issues? Yes.

Was this a chance for many scientists to use their voices and either start or continue to engage in advocacy? Yes.

10/13

Is this proof that Open Letters / petitions have power? Yes.

Is this an example of the power of the written word (let alone a single page being written from a graduate student near midnight)? Yes.

Is this proof you can see a tiny step of change in 83 days? Yes.

11/13

I would like to thank so many people for engaging in this advocacy. I know I can't tag everyone but here is a start (tag yourselves!!!): @allisonoconn, @kss_phd, @georgetownWISE, @TungstenOcelot, @stuartcantrill, @jenheemstra, @sirfrasersays, @aphra_v_murray, @GUChemistry

12/13

The journey isn't over & there is so much to do. I wanted to share this story so you have a transparent example that advocacy works.

It might take 83 days, but it works.

Please, use your voice!

You can influence & catalyze positive change in the scientific community.

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