Updates & News
Net Neutrality is critical to science. Data traveling through a network equally, regardless of the source, destination, or content of that data is important for the progress and democratization of science. We encourage you to speak up for Net Neutrality this week (and have even shared some text for you to send)!
This week we ask you to take action in support of graduate students. The House GOP tax plan includes a new tax on the tuition waiver that many graduate students receive. The senate version keeps the current exemption.
This week, I am at the Women’s Global Leadership Forum at U.Va and have been reminded of and inspired by amazing women outside STEM working to improve the rights of women and girls around the world. It has been another reminder that for all the work there is to do, we have many allies in our journey and many places to look for inspiration. Speaking of work to do, here are some specific actions for the week, one inward facing and one outward facing:
In the face of tragedy, let us not lose hope, and let us never ever stop fighting for what is right and just. We are angry and heartbroken at the terrible shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas -- the loss of so many lives including young children with so much hope and potential ahead of them. Today we take action.
As we look back on the achievement and growth of the past year and as we plan for the year to come, we ask you to take some time this November to celebrate how far we have come and reflect on where you want this organization to go.
This week let’s talk about sexual harassment in academia. Over the last few days we have heard our friends, colleagues, mentors, and students publicly acknowledge their experiences with sexual harassment and assault using #MeToo on social media. Have you done this yourself? Some have been brave enough to share full stories, others are simply retweeting #MeToo. All of these posts are important to pushing the conversation forward and forcing the community to acknowledge openly that sexual harassment is a deep rooted issue. Here are two actions you can take to fight sexual harassment in science:
Happy Ada Lovelace Day! This week for #takeactiontuesday we promote and discuss the awesomeness of women scientists. We celebrate the brilliance and creativity of Ada Lovelace, a mathematician and visionary of computer science. We also reflect on how many women scientists are overlooked and under appreciated.
This week, we seek to follow the example of Governor Scott, who has asked Florida universities and colleges to provide out of state tuition waivers and discounts to students from Puerto Rico. We encourage everyone reach out to your Governor and local college/university president and ask for similar consideration for these students in need.
Where hurricane displaced college students can get tuition breaks in Florida:
The environmental disasters devastating our families, friends, and colleagues right now are overwhelming. Puerto Rico has been destroyed by hurricane Maria, and Houston is still facing a long road to recover. As a first step we have identified a few organizations accepting donations. Beyond donations we want to hear from you! If you have suggestions, comments and ideas please add more in the comment section!
#weekly_action
The #fundUSAscience campaign has launched! Take 2 minutes to tweet today to help bring attention to science funding as the FY2018 budget negotiations get underway.
1) Tell us how your science benefits society and add #fundUSAscience @500wsDC and a picture (sample tweets and instructions here).
2) Time to revive our habit of calling our elected officials - get in touch with your elected official and let them know what you think about science funding, DACA, or any other topic.
How to have a productive call with your representative - http://www.ucsusa.org/action/phone-calls.html#.Wa7uoNOGMn0
To defend DACA, a list of resources from United We Dream and The National Immigration Law Center:
Support bipartisan legislation that protects immigrant youth: Ask your legislators to co-sponsor S.1615 in the Senate and H.R. 3591 in the House. Check out Indivisible for more information on these bills and scripts to call your legislators.
Join United We Dream’s Day of Action: There are protests all across the country and you can find one or register your own action here. We encourage all who are able to show up and stand with Dreamers.
Read about the impact of DACA: The law has allowed people to work and attend school without the constant fear of deportation. Read first-hand stories of DACA from the National Immigrant Law Center and share with family members and friends who may not understand or support the law.
If you’re a DACA recipient: click here for reliable information from United We Dream and the National Immigrant Law Center on your rights.
We continue to support actions in response to the recent tragedy in Charlottesville. Please take a minute to utilize these amazing resources that Rukmani Vijayaraghavan put together for us last week.
500 Women Scientists is on its way to becoming a powerful organization representing the voices of tens of thousands of women scientists all over the globe. With your gift we can pay for the vital infrastructure we need. Plus, your donations help keep 500WS resources free and open, one less barrier to women in science.
