The purpose of our collective movement is to transform scientific institutions to be equitable and just so that everyone can achieve their full potential in science. To achieve our goals, we center on the most marginalized among us; work to increase scientific literacy through public engagement; and create and protect spaces where the most vulnerable among us can share their experiences freely and without judgment. Our organization, supports women in science, including cis and trans women, and nonbinary people. We view science with a broad, inclusive lens: across disciplines, age, education, and career stage. If our message calls out to you, we invite you to join us!

We operate through the JEDI lenses: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We expect all our local chapters (called Pods, after orca and dolphin pods) across the globe to also prioritize these values. This means that all activities and decisions performed by the Pod members need to center on those who have been most historically marginalized.

1. The pods Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) gives a complete list of guidelines and expectations for pods and pod coordinators.

2. Review these Pod Guidelines and how to integrate the JEDI lens in all you do. 

3. 501(c)(3) Guidelines for 500 WS Pods

   500WS has officially received its 501(c)(3)  status as of May 5, 2017. 501(c)(3) status is a federal tax exemption status that restricts some of our activities. These restrictions exclude overtly political activities that support a particular candidate or party and/or lobby for or against particular legislation. These rules apply to pod activities and fundraising. Engagement by pods or 500WS in any of the impermissible activities or activities that would be considered political in nature by the Internal Revenue Service could lead to the revocation of 501(c)(3) status for 500WS. When in doubt about whether a certain activity is permissible, please check first with the Pod Meta Coordinating Team who can be reached at pods@500womenscientists.org. 

   Please also read the 501(c)(3) ANNEX

   Pods are NOT to apply for their own 501(c)(3) status. The status of the broader organization applies to Pods. 

   • As representatives of 500 WS, Pods and members  cannot do the following: 

     • Invite a political candidate to make a campaign speech at an event hosted by the organization

     • Use the organization's funds to publish materials that support (or oppose) a candidate

     • Donate money from the organization to a political candidate

     • Criticize or support a candidate on your website or the 500 WS Website. 

     • Use the organization's website to link to any candidate's profile.

     • Invite a candidate to speak at an event, unless that person is speaking in their own personal capacity and not as a candidate for political office.

     • Conduct a "get out the vote" event in a partisan manner 

     • Make any statements that support a candidate

   Cullinane Law Group has a website with some easy guidelines on what is and is not allowed. 

   Fundraising and bank accounts

   • Pods cannot have their own bank accounts. 

   • For tax and legal purposes, all money raised by Pods under the umbrella of 500 Women Scientists must first be transferred to the main organization bank account. A 15% overhead will be taken from funds to cover the administrative costs associated with fundraising and accounting and help sustain the 500WS organization. These funds will then be tagged for use by your pod and will be returned to you in the form of reimbursements to fund local activities in line with the 501(c)(3) status, mission, and purpose of 500WS.

   • Donations can be made on the website. If donations are made in check or cash form, please send checks to 500 Women Scientists, 910 Waite Dr, Boulder CO 80303 and indicate  which pod the donation has originated from.