Hello fellow ACS members.
I’m Luis Echegoyen, President of the American
Chemical Society.
As chemists and scientists, we actively strive
to better the world we live in and to impress
upon policymakers and the general public the
important role that chemistry plays in that
goal.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized how vital
it is to have scientific expertise available
to decision-makers and the important role
you can play in making sure your voices are
heard.
In light of this, I’m happy to announce
the launch of the ACS Chemistry Advocacy Workshop.
This is an online, self-paced workshop and
will provide virtual training for ACS members
who are passionate about chemistry and who
are looking for ways to advocate for our field
and priorities.
The ACS Chemistry Advocacy Workshop contains
four modules full of instructive and interactive
content that will equip participants with
the information, resources, logistics, and
communication skills to advocate for chemistry
on the federal level.
Participants will refresh their knowledge
of the three branches of the U.S. government,
explore the interactions between science and
policy, learn to plan and successfully execute
advocacy activities, and have an opportunity
to network and build community with like-minded
individuals.
Whether you plan to speak to your elected
officials about the importance of the chemistry
enterprise, practice being a more effective
scientific communicator, or learn more about
the way the U.S. government is influenced
by and how it influences science, this workshop
is a resource ACS is proud to provide to its
members.
ACS understands the importance of ensuring
that scientific expertise is available to
policymakers and that policymakers consider
scientific knowledge while making decisions.
For that reason, ACS is committed to ensuring
that any ACS member interested in engaging
with policymakers is equipped to build effective
and strong relationships with them.
Science policy and chemistry advocacy are
featured prominently in my presidential priorities
because I have seen the need for scientific
voices within the U.S.
Government.
My time as the Director of the Chemistry Division
at the National Science Foundation taught
me that science, and Chemistry specifically,
will not speak for itself, therefore its practitioners
must do so.
I encourage all ACS members to take part in
this workshop and become the ACS chemistry
advocates of today and tomorrow.
The workshop is now live and can be taken
at your leisure at any hour of the day.
To learn more, Click the link provided with
this video to enroll in and begin the workshop,
anytime, anywhere.Thank you for tuning in
and learning more.
I want to see fellow chemists use this workshop
to develop their advocacy skills and voice
their support for chemistry.
If you have any questions or need further
guidance, please send an email
to act4chemistry@acs.org.
