HOW-TOS SCIENCE ADVOCACY TOOLKIT

The document outlines a framework for scientists to engage with communities disproportionately affected by pollution, emphasizing listening, accessibility, and the navigation of power dynamics to ensure productive advocacy.

• Scientists are advised to conduct thorough preliminary research on local demographics and stakeholders using diverse sources like social media and local government websites to understand community sentiments and priorities before initiating contact.
• Effective community engagement requires prioritizing listening over action planning in initial meetings and ensuring that communications are accessible by avoiding scientific terminology, using visuals, and providing logistical support such as childcare and translated materials.
• To manage tensions and power struggles within communities, scientists should employ 'deliberative dialogue'—listening and understanding views without immediate comment—and maintain an unbiased position to avoid becoming embroiled in local conflicts.
• Building trust in disenfranchised communities is facilitated by partnering with established local leaders, such as clergy, school board officers, and civic group directors, who can help promote scientific work.

APA

Shmaefsky, B. (2020). HOW-TOS SCIENCE ADVOCACY TOOLKIT. Union of Concerned Scientists. https://ucs-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/science-network/ucs-sntk-equitable-partnerships-2-11.pdf

Chicago

Shmaefsky, Brian. HOW-TOS SCIENCE ADVOCACY TOOLKIT. Union of Concerned Scientists, 2020. https://ucs-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/science-network/ucs-sntk-equitable-partnerships-2-11.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Shmaefsky |first1=Brian |title=HOW-TOS SCIENCE ADVOCACY TOOLKIT |publisher=Union of Concerned Scientists |date=February 2020 |url=https://ucs-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/science-network/ucs-sntk-equitable-partnerships-2-11.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{shmaefsky2020howtos, author = {Shmaefsky, Brian}, title = {{HOW-TOS SCIENCE ADVOCACY TOOLKIT}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2020}, month = feb, url = {https://ucs-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/science-network/ucs-sntk-equitable-partnerships-2-11.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }