Every Fall, the federal budget is a top legislative priority when Congress returns from August recess. A bipartisan budget agreement that raises the spending caps and prioritizes research ensures a stronger, healthier and more prosperous nation. In September 2017, 500 Women Scientists launched a #FundUSAscience social media campaign to complement the Op-Ed Project “Building a Better Society Through Science” sponsored by 500 Women Scientists, RISE Stronger, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Engaging Scientists and Engineers in Policy (ESEP).

While the original campaign has since passed, every Fall provides an opportunity for our members and allies to engage with the broader public and share the value of science in society. Now is the time to advocate for the role of science in society. Science touches the lives of everyone on the planet. As scientists, we are keenly aware of the role that research and innovation play in strengthening our nation, and now we want the broader public to appreciate how science benefits society.

Show your support using the campaign hashtag #FundUSAscience with a brief description calling out important research in our nation that supports 500 Women Scientists’ mission to serve society by making science open, inclusive, and accessible.

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Help #FundUSAscience go viral in the fall!

  • Tweet positive aspirational messages that convey how science benefits society.

    • Negative messaging can make it extremely difficult to engage in productive conversations, and 500 Women Scientists will not retweet negative messaging. It is okay to discuss implications of budget cuts. However, if you are a federal employee, use your judgment on how best to share this information.

  • A picture is worth a thousand words. If you can, include a cool photo of data, a picture of you conducting an experiment, or fieldwork in your tweet.

  • Share published Op-Ed articles on Twitter using the hashtag #FundUSAscience.

  • Remember to tag the 500 Women Scientists (@500womensci) so we can amplify your tweet.

  • Like and retweet all the #FundUSAscience you find on Twitter!

+ Suggested Tweets

  • .@DOE helps automakers produce important fuel saving innovations like stop-start technology & batteries for electric cars #FundUSAScience

  • Satellite research funded by @NOAA helps to monitor & understand our dynamic planet, like weather forecasting! #FundUSAScience

  • .@NASA Carbon Monitoring System develops tools for measuring greenhouse gas emissions from forests & other natural sources #FundUSAScience

  • Scientists at @USGS study the landscape of the US, natural resources, & the natural hazards that threaten our country #FundUSAScience

  • Researchers and science funded by @NIST examine how to improve the nation’s cybersecurity & development of nanotechnology #FundUSAScience

  • .@CDC chronic disease prevention programs reduce the incidence of heart disease, stroke, diabetes & obesity #FundUSAScience

  • Prevention for domestic HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis are supported by @CDC across the nation #FundUSAScience

  • .@EPA determines safe levels for toxins & pathogens to ensure our nation's waters is safe for fishing, swimming, & drinking #FundUSAScience

  • The Agricultural Research Service @USDA is necessary to ensure high-quality, safe and nutritional food to our nation #FundUSAScience

  • .@EPA protects our right to clean air and clean water. #FundUSAscience

  • .@NOAA helps me protect my home from floods and other disasters. #FundUSAscience

  • .@ENERGY is demonstrating the momentum of clean energy. #FundUSAscience

  • .@USDA stands up for science-based standards for nutrition and agriculture #FundUSAscience

  • .@US_FDA makes sure my medicine works and my food is safe. #FundUSAscience

  • .@USCPSC makes sure that my home products are safe for me and my family. #FundUSAscience

  • .@NWS keeps us safe and aware of severe weather threats like hurricanes and tornadoes. #FundUSAscience

+ OTHER Prompts for #FUNDUSASCIENCE

  • Tweet a photo of yourself in the field or in the lab doing science

  • Tweet a picture of a local landmark that would be impacted by budget cuts

  • Thank a government scientist for their contributions (#ThankAGovScientist)

  • Tweet a fact about a local institution that benefits from federal science

  • Tweet a resource that shares information about the impacts of budget cuts on federal science

  • Tweet your Member of Congress asking them where they stand on a funding issues

  • Tweet your Member of Congress thanking them for their support on a local issue and ask them to commit to funding federal science

  • Tweet a fun fact about federal science that relates to a local issue

  • Tweet an article about exciting new federal science

  • Tweet about local climate impacts

  • Tweet about health benefits of federal research (seatbelts, flu vaccine, ozone…)

  • Tweet your Member of Congress inviting them to view your research, tour your campus/lab, or explore local impacts during October recess (Senate: 10/9-13 House: 10/16-20)

  • Tweet about historic science days (OTD) that relate to federal funding (some examples here)

500 Women Scientists is on its way to becoming a powerful organization representing the voices of tens of thousands of women scientists all over the globe. With your gift we can pay for the vital infrastructure we need. Plus, your donations help keep 500WS resources free and open, one less barrier to women in science.