Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally

If you voted during early voting, with an absentee ballot, or if you are showing up today, we hope you make a voting plan (https://lnkd.in/eTbz-bV2) that allows you to cast your vote for president and also important local races and ballot measures. As polls open today on Election Day, we are reflecting on the local individuals and groups that shape elections. 🗳 Secretaries of State are elected to oversee all statewide elections activities. State elections boards and commissions establish rules and regulations for elections practices. State legislatures propose and vote on additional elections administrations regulations that are vetoed or signed into law by governors. 🗳 County elections offices administer voter registrations and elections in ways that best suit their counties needs with the resources they have and within the rules and regulations set by the state. Their work is overseen by county elections boards or commissions. 🗳 To make voting in-person possible, county elections offices hire poll workers, residents of a county who are trained and sign oaths to fill their duties to make voting in-person transparent and accessible to all eligible voters. Poll watchers are registered with a political party and are permitted to watch polling activities for transparency. 🗳 Organizers, canvassers, local governments, elected officials, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and concerned citizens raise awareness about elections to ensure that residents have the information they need to successfully register and vote. Elections are made possible because of local action, and they provide an important means to act locally. As it's commonly stated, "all elections are local." Today, take time to vote local and help others vote. Once the election is over, ESAL is ready with resources and opportunities to help you keep acting local.

¡Nos vemos en #2024NDiSTEM! ¡Estoy muy emocionada de compartir mis pensamientos sobre cómo centrar las necesidades de la comunidad en local science policy and advocacy como parte de Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally en Phoenix, Arizona! La Conferencia de SACNAS es un evento maravilloso para adquirir nuevos conocimientos científicos, expandir nuestras coneciones profesionales y honrar nuestra cultura. ¡Ojalá hubiera tenido la oportunidad de asistir mientras estaba estudiando para ver a personas en #STEMM que se parecieran a mí! Pero ahora me emociona poder animar otras personas que pueden haber sentido que no pertenecían al mundo de las ciencias. ¡Aqui estamos! 💖 Para inscribirse u obtener más información: https://lnkd.in/g2-7JDZk #Spanglish #ILookLikeAnEngineer #LatinasInSTEM #TrueDiversity #STEM #WomenInSTEM #WeAreAllPublicHealth #CPHcertification #MyCPH #CivicScientist #WeAreCPP #WCUProud

To learn more about The Science for Public Good Fund visit: https://lnkd.in/gKTB72iW

📸✨ Highlights from the oSTEM Conference! We’re thrilled to share moments from the Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (oSTEM) Conference, where we connected with inspiring professionals, students, and advocates pushing boundaries in STEM fields. From insightful sessions to networking with the brightest minds, the energy and passion were incredible! 💡 Check out some of our favorite snapshots from the event, and let’s continue building an inclusive and innovative STEM community together! Did you miss the oSTEM event? Explore our Upcoming Events page and be part of our future gatherings – don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and make an impact! 👉 https://esal.us/events/ #ESAL

🌍💧 How are California’s water conservation policies shaping up? Water conservation is more critical than ever, and local governments are leading the drive for meaningful change. In our latest blog, ESAL’s Mark Feuer DiTusa interviews James Nachbaur, Director of the Office of Research, Planning, and Performance at California’s State Water Resources Control Board. James shares insights on the Board’s role in managing the state’s water resources, the challenges of implementing water conservation policies, and how scientific expertise plays a key role in shaping effective solutions. Curious about how you can get involved? James also discusses how professionals with a science or engineering background can contribute to addressing complex water management issues. 📖 Read the full interview to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gBsruqUe #ESAL

Conservation X Labs is calling on innovators to join the #CXLFireChallenge. This initiative seeks groundbreaking solutions to transform how we manage and live with fire, focusing on Western North America in its first round. With over $630K in prizes and support, the challenge encourages innovations that blend Indigenous, rural, and place-based knowledge with cutting-edge technology. Applications are due by December 2, 2024. Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/eJ-N9ZUp. ESAL is proud to be an amplifying and technical partner for the Fire Grand Challenge. We are seeking to connect more people with backgrounds in #STEM to this opportunity to create lasting, mutually beneficial connections that can work together in the long-term to decrease the risk of catastrophic fire.

🌍 Calling all #engineers and #scientists—are you ready to use your skills to create meaningful change in your community? At ESAL, we don’t just connect you to important issues like environmental sustainability, public health, housing, and education—we also provide volunteer opportunities that allow you to put your skills into action. By volunteering with ESAL, you can engage directly with local governments, advocacy groups, and community projects to help drive meaningful change. Your expertise can help shape policies and programs that impact daily lives. Ready to volunteer and make an impact where it counts? Visit https://esal.us/volunteer/ to learn more and get involved today!

🌟 Check out this thought-provoking blog post by ESAL volunteer Richard T. on Navigating the Future of AI! In this insightful piece, Richard explores the complex landscape of artificial intelligence, touching on its potential to revolutionize industries and the critical role engineers and scientists can play in shaping responsible AI policy. This is a must-read if you're curious about how AI impacts society and what the future holds for this powerful technology. Join the conversation and see how you can contribute to shaping the future of AI! Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/gKzSnXCB #ESAL #Technology

🎥 Missed our Student Dissatisfaction, Unionizing, and Shifting Job Opportunities event? No worries—the recording is now live! Head over to our ESAL YouTube channel to watch the full discussion on America's scientific workforce training. Learn key strategies to strengthen our nation’s scientific capacity and prepare the next generation of #STEM professionals. Watch the recording here: https://lnkd.in/g8JNVqmT More details about the past event can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gHa6HmQc #ESAL

🚀 How can policymakers address the rapid growth of artificial intelligence? Our ESAL volunteer, Mark Feuer DiTusa, recently interviewed Virginia Sen. Lashrecse Aird to discuss her experience working at the state level to craft policy around AI. In this insightful blog post, Sen. Aird shares her perspective on balancing innovation with regulation and the unique challenges of shaping AI policy to protect communities while fostering technological growth. A must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and policy! Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/gZ_uB9G7 #ESAL #Technology