March for Science's Week of Action: How public health can get involved

Public Health Newswire interviewed Caroline Weinberg, interim executive director of the March for Science about the Week of Action, Sept. 17-21. During the Week of Action, science advocates sent more than 17,000 emails to their elected officials, thousands of people checked their voter registration status and thousands more signed a petition calling on Congress to commit to scientific integrity. But it’s not too late – you can still take action! Find out more about the Week of Action resources and how you can be a part of it.

Q: What’s your goal during the week of action?

The March for Science started as a one day event, but our overall goal of promoting the role of science in policy can’t be achieved in one day or with one vote. During our week of action and year round, we encourage science advocates to reach out to their officials and ask them to pass evidence-based policies that serve all communities.

Q: What kinds of activities do you have planned for the week, and how can public health professionals get involved?

So many of the issues we work on at the March for Science intersect with public health. Whether it’s the climate or scientific integrity, it’s never a reach to connect these conversations to impact on community health. As public health professionals, our voices are an essential part of this conversation. Contact your officials directly. Tell them your background and your interest and contact them regularly about the policy issues that are important to you. Speak up and hold them accountable!

Q: Friday during the Week of Action was dedicated to voting. How can people make sure they’re registered to vote, and how can they make sure they’re casting a vote for science?

Head to marchforscience.com/vote or text vote4science to 40649 to check your status and find your polling place. But don’t stop there – make a plan for November 6. Can’t make it to the polls? Get your absentee ballot today.

Look into your candidates (who you can find using marchforscience.com/vote) and find out where they stand on the science issues that are important to you. Don’t assume that you know their stance because of their party affiliation – do the research and make sure when you hit the polls in November you are casting an educated vote for science.

Members can also learn more about opportunities to advocate for public health from APHA’s Speak for Health campaign.