Activist Resources

Bringing science to the policymaking process is crucial to our democracy—but facts alone often aren’t enough. Learn ways to effectively advocate for science by engaging with legislators.

Engaging effectively with journalists and the media takes practice, but is an important science communication skill to master.

If your community is facing decisions about fracking, this toolkit is for you. Use it to help you make sound decisions on fracking.

Fossil fuel companies and their trade associations have been peddling climate disinformation for decades. Here are 40 key moments of fossil fuel industry climate denial.

A toolkit for scientists looking for ways to use their expertise for the good of their community. Includes tips, tools, and other resources.

As part of our Summer Symposium series, we host webinars on arms control and international security topics. View past lectures here.

A distinguished group of experts from across the United States—including agricultural powerhouse states such as Iowa and California—have called for increased public investment in agroecological research.

Scientist-community partnerships can help level the playing field for communities that are being shut out of important policy discussions, and UCS is taking an active role in fostering these collaborations.

At a June 2015 meeting and community forum in Minneapolis, community leaders, policymakers, researchers, and students shared ideas and experiences on what it takes to forge trusted, equitable, and respectful partnerships to advance food policy reform.

Our Lewis M. Branscomb Forum, "Community Connections," explored new ways for scientists and communities to work together to meet challenges like chemical hazards, climate change impacts, or access to healthy food.

Learn how to navigate the food policy system and join in efforts to make healthy, affordable food part of your community's landscape.

Examples of resources, blogs, fellowships, training programs, and jobs sites that may be useful to early career scientists searching for careers or engagement opportunities in science policy.

The 2014 Lewis M. Branscomb Forum brought together experts, advocates, and engaged community members to explore how science can help advance healthier food environments.

Tips and information about how to reduce your household's emissions of heat-trapping (or global warming) gasses, through ten simple steps.

The 2013 Lewis M. Branscomb Forum convened big thinkers from academia, industry, government, non-governmental organizations, and citizen groups to delve into some of the most complex challenges around fracking.

Since its founding, the Union of Concerned Scientists has been a leader in science and technology communication. We’ve worked with thousands of researchers and academics to help them make their work more accessible to lay audiences.

This is the first in the Lewis M. Branscomb Science Democracy Forum series. It set out to identify and advocate for ways to improve access to governmental scientific information.

On September 21, 2012, the Union of Concerned Scientists hand-delivered nearly 20,000 postcards to News Corporation's New York headquarters calling on News Corp. to stop misleading its audience about climate science.

The Cooler Smarter Trivia Night Kit from the Union of Concerned Scientists contains all the tools you'll need to host a successful trivia night and inspire your guests to reduce their carbon footprint with a few simple, practical steps.

This database compiles the data used by the Union of Concerned Scientists to analyze the water, carbon, and temperature impacts of US power plants for the report “Freshwater Use by US Power Plants: Electricity’s Thirst for a Precious Resource."

Learn how gardeners can help combat global warming. We explain the science linking soil, plants, and climate change; provide tips for a more climate-friendly garden; and share resources that will help you adapt these tips to your own needs.

Improving energy efficiency (that is, getting more use out of the electricity we already generate) is an important strategy for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

How to become a science resource for your legislator's office.

Tips on having a meeting with an editorial board.