Take Action Tuesday

In our suggested actions this week, we focus on ways to support diversity. 

  • February is Black History Month and a great oppurtunity to support groups and causes we believe in.  We suggest helping groups that support diversity grow in your communities and on Facebook and Twitter (e.g. Vanguard STEM).

  • Let’s help each other connect with young women interested in science. Find a local science event and volunteer as a speaker or science fair judge. One immediate opportunity is the Expanding Your Horizons conference in Fort Collins April 8 and looking for volunteers. Post similar opportunities near you in the comments section. 

Just Jump In

Just Jump In

On a scientist's career path, there are a range of questions that we are confronted with. There are the obvious questions: what major should I choose? What graduate school should I attend? Which post-doc(s) should I apply for? Should I stay in academy, go into government, or find a job in a private sector?? But then there are the less obvious questions, the questions that plague many of us as humans: Why am I doing this? Does my work even make a difference? How can I make a more positive impact on society? For Kelly Fleming, a leader of 500 Women Scientist, she may have struggled with these questions, but her path demonstrates that sometimes it is best to not waver and just jump in. She is discovering that you will only make a difference if you are moving forward. 

Weekly Wrap-Up

As the world continues turning, in a rather chaotic feeling rotation, we remain grateful for all our growing network, our supporters and the progress we are making. This week we reached over 16K signatures! Tomorrow (Saturday), is International Day of Women and Girls in Science! Let's start the celebration off early, tweet us your science activities and photos with #womeninscience. Read on to see what you might have missed this week: 

What we've done

  • Discovered the necessity of creativity in science. 

  • Sent out a second newsletter, check your inbox! 

  • Shared why we will March for Science. 

  • Formed 500WS Pods around the world! Message to find one near you. 

 

What we like

  • This Decolonising Science Reading List. 

  • On science's minority talent pool. 

  • Protect our Air, Water & Land. 

  • Wikipedia women in stem edit-a-thon - Sign-up to help!

Take Action Tuesday

Let’s take the week to celebrate women and girls in science!

& if you are in NYC, check out this cool event!

  • Tired of not getting through to your elected official on the phone? Grab a friend and visit a local office or join in a town hall meeting. Jane Z. and Jess M headed down to Colorado Senator Cory Gardner’s office yesterday and sat down with a staffer. See Indivisible’s spreadsheet of upcoming town hall meetings.

Creativity required

Creativity required

As our network has grown over the last two and a half months, we have had the amazing oppurtunity of meeting some fantastic people. Today in our weekly #meetascientist I have the pleasure of interviewing Maryam Zaringhalam. Maryam's activities demonstrate the role of creativity in the sciences and she is a wonderful example to other women searching for their voice in science. 

What if I have to leave?

What if I have to leave?

This week amidst the upsetting and chaotic news of the executive order banning travel from seven predominantly muslim countries, people across the country have stood up for their friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Here we meet two scientists whose lives are directly affected by the ban. At the end of the post we have put together a long list of resources for those affected and those who want to help. 

 

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.