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So far, I've mostly focused on #SciPol advocacy through visiting with elected officials!
However, if that type of #LocalEngagement's not for you, another option is to get your policymaker's attention using your #SciComm writing skills. https://twitter.com/iamscicomm/status/1321168606642671616
However, if that type of #LocalEngagement's not for you, another option is to get your policymaker's attention using your #SciComm writing skills. https://twitter.com/iamscicomm/status/1321168606642671616
There's a couple important types of #SciPol #SciComm. Yesterday, we talked about one-pagers, which are essential leave-behind documents that concisely convey your message with clear, actionable items. https://twitter.com/iamscicomm/status/1321168621448511489
The other two #SciPol #SciComm written documents I'll talk about today are policy memos and op-eds! If you're new to #LocalEngagement and #SciAdvocacy, these can be great tools to get your policy ideas heard in your community.
First: what's a policy memo?
#SciPol memos provide a concise analysis and recommendations on a certain issue, directed at a predetermined audience. Their length can vary from 1-100 pages depending on the setting (and definitely on the shorter end for #LocalEngagement)!
#SciPol memos provide a concise analysis and recommendations on a certain issue, directed at a predetermined audience. Their length can vary from 1-100 pages depending on the setting (and definitely on the shorter end for #LocalEngagement)!
What distinguishes a #SciPol memo from other types of policy writing like a policy brief or op-ed is the recommendations. Policy memos should include several clear, actionable tasks that your audience can take in response to your memo!
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For some #SciPol memo examples, check out this thread on one of the latest issues of @SciPolJournal here. There's some great #LocalEngagement topics, including #CashBail, #ElectionSecurity, #ClimateChange resilience, #education, #recycling, and more! https://twitter.com/SciPolJournal/status/1312030916890570752
#SciPol memos can also be a great follow-up document after an initial meeting with your local policymaker. Here's where you can put on your scientist hat to expand on your one-pager and add all that evidence and detail you had to cut out before!
Sometimes your personal emotions and professional experience come together and you can offer a unique perspective on a local #SciPol issue. That’s the recipe for a great op-ed! #SciComm
Why choose op-ed writing for your #LocalEngagement? Because policymakers (from your city hall all the way to Washington DC) read their local papers!
Having a published op-ed helps to refine your ideas and have something to point to during your future advocacy efforts.
Having a published op-ed helps to refine your ideas and have something to point to during your future advocacy efforts.
So what’s a #SciPol op-ed look like? While the form and length vary depending on your outlet, all op-eds should 1) be timely, 2) center your own expertise, 3) speak to the reader.
Here are some great tips from @TheOpEdProject: https://www.theopedproject.org/oped-basics
Here are some great tips from @TheOpEdProject: https://www.theopedproject.org/oped-basics
To emphasize my last point, tailor the #SciComm language in your op-ed to your audience! Writing for an op-ed for your local paper is very different than writing a #SciPol op-ed for a primarily scientific audience (ie @sciam). Both are great, but have different styles!
Op-eds are a great entry point into #SciComm for #SciPol. I got my start in #LocalEngagement by writing op-eds for @dailycal and @massivesci! Op-eds are typically shorter and may be less work than a policy memo, so don’t be afraid to give it a shot! https://twitter.com/Chwistofu/status/1294137433936654337
Two more examples of how your #SciPol interests can intersect with #SciComm writing!
Last month, @melodytantx and I wrote for @UCSUSA about the way our local institutions and scientific societies talk about #ImmigrantScientists. https://twitter.com/Chwistofu/status/1311318550875836416
Last month, @melodytantx and I wrote for @UCSUSA about the way our local institutions and scientific societies talk about #ImmigrantScientists. https://twitter.com/Chwistofu/status/1311318550875836416
And just three weeks ago, @AlyssaShearer4, @ingridjoylyn, @steminist_tiara, and I wrote about the need for scientists to engage in #SciPol, particularly around @STEMvotes in their classrooms and local communities! https://twitter.com/Chwistofu/status/1314217191030497280
