Rob Weber

Science Student Advocacy workshops offered by KAS are enjoying healthy growth in their second year.
 
More than 60 people have signed up for 2023 workshops that offer guidance to college students seeking science degrees on how to become effective advocates when issues important to the science community are debated at the State Capitol. Last year, about 40 students participated in the workshops.
 
The number of student groups collaborating with KAS on the workshops has also grown, from two last year to three this year. UofL’s Science Policy and Outreach Group and UK’s Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition are both collaborating for the second straight year. The Kentucky Students Environmental Coalition is the latest group to come on board as a collaborator.
 
The first of two workshops was held Feb. 3. The second workshops will be held Feb. 17.
 
The Feb. 3 workshop opened with a presentation on ways to have an impact on the state’s legislative process. KAS member Blaine Early, an environmental lawyer, then provided an overview of sources of law and offered guidance on participating in the regulatory process. Next, issues in this year’s state legislative session came into focus during a panel discussion moderated by KAS Education and Advocacy Chair Trent Garrison. Panelists included Cara Stewart with Kentucky Voices for Health, Tom Fitzgerald with the Kentucky Resources Council, and Lane Boldman with the Kentucky Conservation Committee.
 
The Feb. 17 workshop will include discussions with state lawmakers, a presentation on environmental justice, and advocacy tips from student collaborators.


Students who participate on both of the online workshops will be certified as “Kentucky Science Advocates.”