Initial Publication Date: July 9, 2022

2018 March for Science

The March for Science took place on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

NAGT is proud to announce its 2018 partnership with the national March for Science movement. The March for Science, an emphatically nonpartisan event, calls for science that upholds the common good, and for political leaders and policymakers to enact evidence-based policies in the public interest. As stated in its Mission, the March for Science champions robustly funded and publicly communicated science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity.

The stated values of the March include:

  • Evidence-driven political positions and decision-making
  • Diversity and inclusion in STEM
  • Nonpartisan advocacy for science
  • Transformative and creative approaches to supporting a scientifically-engaged society
  • Ongoing internal evaluation, correction, and feedback

Activities and Signage:
Get ideas for the March

By endorsing the march, NAGT affirms these principles, recognizes the importance of science and science education to our citizens, and stands up for diversity, inclusion and equality in science. We encourage our members to march in support.

The 2018 March for Science took place Saturday, April 14, with satellite marches occurring across the country.

Advocating for Science Education is Part of Our Mission

Part of NAGT's mission is to foster improvement in teaching and learning about the Earth sciences. The March for Science will engage a diverse group of people who are interested in the role of science in our government. It is our hope to demonstrate the critical importance of supporting high-quality science and science education. We do not advocate for or against specific people or policies, but advocate for science and science education. Our message is not one of rejection of beliefs or ideals, but one of positive support for the role of science and the scientific endeavor. It is also intended to catalyze productive discussion of the role of science in society.

NAGT members can collectively send a strong signal that we support science and science education, including geoscience education, by acting in ways that are inclusive of all people and respectful of different political viewpoints. Our goal is to build strong support for science and science education across all people and political parties.

You can help make the case that NAGT supports strong science and science education by:

  1. Joining the NAGT's March for Science email list to share or get ideas
  2. Wearing your Earth Educators Rendezvous t-shirt or some other clothing that indicates you are a geoscience educator and
  3. Putting NAGT on your sign

Remember that NAGT is a not-for profit organization focused on supporting geoscience education, and we ask you to follow our code of conduct if you march as a representative of NAGT. If you choose to march as an individual rather than an NAGT member, these are still good ideas.

NAGT Code of Conduct

As 501(c)(3) organization, there are limits to political activities, especially as related to lobbying. But the March for Science and its related activities are not lobbying for or against particular candidates, elected officials, or legislation, and therefore these activities are not only fully allowable but central to the work of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. While a 501(c)(3) organization can engage in limited lobbying without endangering their tax exempt status, we see no need or desire to do this in association with the March for Science. Too much lobbying activity by an organization risks loss of tax-exempt status. As individuals, our members can, of course, lobby. However, we ask that members only lobby as individuals, and in those efforts the members make clear that they are lobbying as individuals.

Also in keeping with our Code of Conduct:

  1. Treat all people with respect regardless of whether or not you agree with their point of view — listen and be kind
  2. Obey the law and respond immediately to any requests by officials - promote a peaceful demonstration
  3. Use your best skills as an educator when discussing science and science education with others:
    • Support learning and active inquiry - engage, don't tell
    • Start from others' current understandings and draw on their life experiences - listen first
    • Be respectful of others' emotions - fear and anger inhibit learning

One of the goals of our code of conduct is to reduce what is known as the backfire effect, which causes people to hold more tightly to their convictions when those convictions are challenged.

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