What Can We Do? 6 Ways to Take Action for Science

---

Hi - this newsletter is free to read, but a paid subscription helps to support my work. If you find it helpful, please consider upgrading to become a paid subscriber. Thanks for being here.

---

Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard from so many people who care deeply about science, public health, and truth - people who feel frustrated, helpless, and overwhelmed by what’s happening. I feel it too.

Last week, I was in Washington, D.C., meeting with Members of Congress to discuss NIH funding cuts, the rise of pseudoscience in policymaking, and the broader attacks on evidence-based public health. I asked them directly what they were actually doing about it, which I covered in this newsletter. But I also asked what we can be doing.

This week, I received this message:

“I cannot thank you enough for being a voice. Something I’m struggling with is using mine. Do you have suggestions for what we can do? Is it writing to our representatives? I feel so helpless. While I can spread evidence-based information and steer my friends and patients in the right direction, I want to do more, and I’m struggling with what!”

If you’ve ever felt this way - like you want to take action but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. It can be hard to know where to direct your energy, especially when the attacks on science and public health feel like they’re coming from all directions at once.

So, I wanted to dedicate this newsletter to exactly that: real, tangible steps we can take right now. Some are big, some are small, but all of them matter.

Because here’s the truth: pseudoscience spreads when the voices of reason stay quiet. And we cannot afford to be quiet.

Let’s get into it.

How You Can Take Action Right Now

1. Contact Your Representatives (Yes, It Actually Helps)

Every lawmaker I spoke with emphasized this: calls and emails matter, especially from constituents. They track them, they tally them, and when enough people reach out, it forces conversations.

Make it easy on yourself:

• Download the 5 Calls app – it automatically gives you contact info for your senators and representatives and includes ready-made scripts for major issues. For example, right now, you can click on scripts to:

  • "Save NIH Research Funding."

  • "Reject Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid to fund billionaire tax giveaways."

  • "Stop the Dismantling of USAID."

  • "Stop RFK's attacks on vaccine access and HHS transparency."

• Or, call 202-224-3121 (the Capitol switchboard) and ask for your senator or representative.

What to say? Keep it simple:
"Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your State]. I’m calling to express deep concern about [issue: e.g., NIH funding cuts, pseudoscience influencing public policy, vaccine misinformation, etc.]. What is [Senator/Representative Name] doing to protect evidence-based science and public health?"

2. Use Your Voice – Even If It Feels Small

Every time you push back against misinformation, whether in a conversation, a social media post, or with friends and colleagues, you’re making an impact.

One of the biggest reasons pseudoscience spreads? It uses simple, emotional language that feels accessible to the average person, while real science often feels inaccessible or full of jargon.

✅ Make science digestible
✅ Use plain language
✅ Frame evidence in ways that actually resonate with people’s concerns
✅ Avoid shaming people for falling for misinformation

Studies show that personal conversations change minds far more effectively than internet debates. Open-ended, face-to-face discussions allow people to feel heard and understood, making them more receptive to new information. A great example of this in action: in British Columbia, direct conversations with residents about climate action led to a significant shift in public opinion, with 1/3 of residents changing their views. Engaging with people in good faith, rather than debating to ‘win,’ seems to be one of the most effective ways to create lasting change.

3. Support and Amplify Scientists & Experts

Algorithms prioritize engagement, so even liking, commenting, and sharing factual posts helps push accurate information to more people.

Follow and support evidence-based science communicators, journalists, and researchers. Some ideas:

• Share fact-checked content on your platforms

• Tag policymakers in content and demand responses on science-based issues

• Follow advocacy groups working to fight pseudoscience

4. Show Up (Digitally or In-Person)

Lawmakers notice when people physically show up, whether at town halls, protests, or science advocacy events. One example? The Stand Up for Science rally last Friday.

Ways to participate:

• Attend a town hall in your area and ask pointed questions

• Sign petitions and support legal challenges (many groups are fighting anti-science policies in court)

• Join a science advocacy organization like March for Science, Protect Democracy, or the Union of Concerned Scientists

5. Build ‘Science Capital’ in Your Community

Research shows that trust in science isn’t just about literacy - it’s also about access. Many communities don’t interact with scientists regularly, which increases skepticism.

If you’re a healthcare professional, scientist, teacher, or just someone passionate about evidence-based thinking, you have power.

Some ideas:

• Write an op-ed for your local paper about why research funding matters

• Start conversations in your workplace or community groups

• Engage young people: volunteer to talk about science at schools, libraries, or local events

6. Sustain Your Energy for the Long Haul

This fight isn’t going away, and burnout is real.

✅ Balance activism with self-care
✅ Connect with others who care about science (there are a lot of us)
✅ Remember: Small actions add up.

No single conversation, email, or post will change everything. But together? We are a force.

Last Thought

I know it’s easy to feel like one voice doesn’t matter. But the people spreading misinformation are loud, organized, and relentless. We cannot afford to be quiet.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start using your voice…this is it.

Let’s fight for science. Let’s fight for public health. And let’s make sure the loudest voices in the room aren’t the ones spreading misinformation.