Engagement in Geoscience Education Advocacy: How and Why

Thursday 1:30pm-4:00pm Jones 104
Afternoon Mini Workshop

Leaders

Michael Phillips, Illinois Valley Community College
Taormina Lepore, Western Michigan University
Guang Zeng, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

In the workshop, Advocacy leaders from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) will discuss the importance of geoscientists with strong communication skills engaging in policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. The session will provide an overview of relevant opportunities and pathways for involvement. In addition, participants will be introduced to supportive materials and organizational structures, including advocacy resources and opportunities offered by NAGT and partner organizations such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the Geological Society of America (GSA). Participants will also work in small groups to develop a personal action plan and chart a course for their own advocacy engagement.

Intended Audience

There are advocacy opportunities within NAGT and via our partner organizations. Geoscience educators at all levels and modes are valued in this area because of their skill at communicating complex concepts and their relevance to audiences that may not be well-versed in geoscience. All are welcome at this session.

Goals

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify advocacy opportunities within NAGT and the broader geoscience community that are aligned with their interests, goals, and skills; including: NAGT Advocacy Committee & Advocacy community (email list); GSA Geology & Society Division, GPPC, Congressional Visit Days (CVD); AGU Local Science Partners & CVDs
  • Plan for their involvement at a time and level that is synergistic with their work and life.

Program

1:30 Welcome and introductions

  • Leaders and participants
  • Name, role, interest in advocacy (around the room)

1:45 Why engage in advocacy?

  • Discussion and active reflection about participants' interests, goals, and experiences in advocacy.
    • What are your personal and professional strengths? (knowledge, skills, network connections, experience)
    • What is one area of geoscience advocacy that interests you the most?
    • If you could change one thing about geoscience through advocacy, what would it be?
    • If there is one thing you would like to help people understand about geoscience, what would it be?
    • Who are you comfortable talking with?
  • Important notes:
    • advocacy vs lobbying (we generally do not "lobby")
    • Advocacy on behalf of (need to be clear)
      • self (typical, generally not representing any institution)
      • institution or organization - with permission (and support) - may have limitations

2:00 Opportunities and avenues for geoscience education advocacy: An overview of supportive materials and structures will be shared, including NAGT (e.g., Phillips & Hummer, 2026), AGU, and GSA materials and opportunities.

2:45 Break

2:55 Participants work in groups to research the historical leanings of their respective legislators and consider how they could tailor their "asks."

3:15 Share and discuss personal action plans, including contacts, supports, and materials for engaging elected officials and staff at the local, state, and/or federal levels.

3:45 Wrap-up and workshop evaluation

4:00 Adjourn

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