getting in on the ground floor why it pays to be involved in your community before scientific...
TRANSCRIPT
Getting in on the Ground Floor
Why It Pays to be Involved inYour Community Before
Scientific Controversies Arise
Mike PhillipsProfessor of Geology
Illinois Valley Community CollegeOglesby, Illinois
When Controversies Arise
Government funding education & grants & agencies
Land use planning resources, natural hazards, human-
induced hazardsEducation
curriculum, faculty, textbooks
Scientists’ Reactions
Worry from afarComplain to colleaguesWrite a letter
to the paper to the parties involved
Speak at a hearing (testify!)Lead a rally!
Science to the Rescue!
Reception
Who is this person?Who is she to tell us what to do?Where was he they before?Why should we listen?
Distrusted…Dismissed…Discarded
One Source of Difficulty
Town vs Gown
Professionals move in create a separate community may not connect to existing social
networks
social comfort may not expect to stay
An Alternative to Town vs GownParticipate in your community
Youth activities Community Activities Community organizations Adult education Local government
Be a resourceBe a memberBe a familiar face
Be the “Go-To” person
Build relationshipsBuild respectBuild trust
Youth Activities
Classroom volunteerPresent or lead a group
4H scouts
Science fair judgeCoachCollege students in the classroom
Adult Education
Teacher education workshops field trips continuing education
Community education continuing education educational extension parks & nature preserves
Community Activities
Clean-ups - bring studentsFairs/Festivals - booth/tableParades
Community Organizations
SocialProfessionalServicePTO/PTA
PresentJoinLead
Local Government
School BoardCity CouncilState LegislatorsFederal Legislators
StaffAppointed Boards
The BIG Step
Take a leadership role…
4H or Scout LeaderOrganization Executive BoardAdvisory Board to Local GovernmentSchool BoardPolitical Activist (or Candidate…)
Be “The Geologist”
Talk geology & scienceDisplay your affiliation
pins clothing
What To Do?
What are you comfortable doing?Who do you like to work with?What do you like to talk aboutHow much time do you have?What works with what you are
already doing?What can your students do?
The Result
You know your neighbors & community leaders
You understand the community
Solicitation of your inputDeference to your expertise
Some “controversies” never arise
Thank you!
Mike Phillips
Geology ProfessorIllinois Valley Community College
[email protected]/phillips