Updates & News
To everyone who was watching and reading about the senate hearings yesterday, these events can be triggering to many and know that we are with you. Check out our resources and read the NAS report on sexual harassment if you want to understand the depth of the problems and some of the solutions we recommend to transform scientific institutions. Find your support group today, take a break, give yourself a hug, and as always we are here - just send us a message.
I used to run competitively and pacing yourself is really important. Too fast and you'll suffer later in the race, likely running much slower than your potential. But, too slow is just that - too slow. This week I was thinking about how I pace myself in life, at home, with science and with 500WS. Do I pack my days too full of meetings, emails and conference calls? Do I leave enough time to drink my coffee in the morning, take 'me time' breaks, and have space to breath? How do you find the right pace for your life and career? I'd love to hear from you!
Do you ever do the legs up the wall stretch? Not only does it give relief to your legs and feet, but almost immediately calms your mind and relaxes your body. I was doing that exercise last night and thought, how can I extend this relaxed feeling all the way through the weekend? So that's my plan once I finish work today- put down my computer and focus on cultivating a quiet, relaxed mind. What does your weekend have in store?
"Believe it till you achieve it" is the new "fake it till you make it." You're not faking anything.
A great mindset to apply as we come up on the Fall; many of us are starting up the school year, searching for jobs, and realizing we only have 4 months left in the year! Use this weekend to give yourself credit for what you have accomplished so far this year and what you will accomplish in the future. Hugs to all!
We've been busy this summer writing and planning fall activities. We are especially excited to have our piece on the NAS sexual harassment report published in SciAm. The report came out earlier this summer, but it took some time for us to thoroughly read through and put all our thoughts together (and check our anger). We think everyone should read the report themselves, but we also have put together a succinct summary for you. Alright, now time for a weekend of rest so we can get back at it next week! Cheers friends
We are really excited to be attending the Ecological Society of America annual meeting in New Orleans next week. Not only will we have a chance to catch up with new and old friends, but we have 3 opportunities to make a real difference. Even if you can't make the meeting, check out what we have planned: 1. Path to Being A Strong Ally in Science 2. 500 Women Scientists: How Many Ecologists Does It Take... and 3. Elections Matter! - maybe you can set up a workshop at your next conference? Message us to find out more!
Have a great weekend and keep up the great work. And if you have been taking the summer off like me - then soak up these last days/weeks of rest and know you will kick butt this fall!
Failure is okay #meetascientist and a leader of 500WS
In science and politics, your vote counts. #takeaction
Our monthly newsletter is out!
Asmeret of our Advisory Board member now has her own wikipedia page.
The woman leading the ant revolution.
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Must read: The Power by Naomi Alderman
I've been thinking a lot about optimism over the last few weeks. To live in a better world, we have to be able to imagine it first. That requires optimism—heaps of it. So I've been coming to see optimism as a habit of mind—one that I have to practice at. Curating these weekly wrap-ups are part of that active practice. They're a list of what we've done, what we love, and what we have left to do.
This week is one in a number that has highlighted how high the stakes are for our future, which is why we're so excited about our newly launched campaign to Get Out the Vote. Regardless of whether you're based around the world, the message I took away from the webinar is the same: if we can mobilize around our values and build a collective story to inspire others to action, change will come.
Happy first international #LGBTstemday (one day late)! And Happy Independence Day (2 days late). The summer is here and while we would all rather be on a beach with a coconut based drink in our hand, there is resistance to do! We will be here all summer to help you plan. Use the summer to meet up with your pod or network of women at a conference, and keep us posted! Enjoy the weekend ;).
My mentor sent me a message yesterday, she said "We have had conservative Supreme Courts before and lived through it. We will weather this storm and come out the other side." It may not be comforting to know that an even larger storm is coming, but know, no matter what arrives, we will stand together. To prepare yourself and get some good motivation, I recommend reading Dr. Chandra's thread and the links. Keep your heads up!
I know this week was overly frustrating in the US (we have some suggestions below on how to #keepfamiliestogether). While the US administration, and governments around the world, try to sow chaos and distrust in their citizens it is our responsibility as scientists to be leaders in our communities. We have the opportunity to share facts and support policies backed by the truth. We can be leaders by writing op-ed's in our local papers, doing interviews with media on policies relevant to our research and communities, and we always have the option to stand up for what we know is right. As part of 500WS you never will be alone in your activism. Happy Summer Solstice, keep up the good fight!
Well this week was just a bit too much. North Korea barely made a blip because many of us had our heads buried in the NAS report on sexual harassment or were worrying over immigration or ... well you get the idea. We have thoughts on the NAS report, but will take our time to put them together, stay tuned. In the meantime, refuel this weekend because the summer is looking to be full of resistance! Or at the least get your 500WS number, subscribe today!
Our mission is to serve society by making science open, inclusive, and accessible, and to transform society by fighting racism, patriarchy, and oppressive societal norms
