Science Communication Won't Save Us. Collective Action Will.
As authoritarianism grows in the U.S., many scientists feel the impulse to respond with more science communication. We start podcasts, give public talks, and train each other to explain the facts more clearly—hoping that, if only more people understood the science, things would get better.
But facts don’t change minds. And the deeper truth is: this theory of change doesn’t match the reality we’re living in.
We’re not just dealing with misinformation or a lack of understanding. The ongoing cuts to science and higher education aren’t misunderstandings to be corrected. They’re deliberate political choices—part of a larger strategy to dismantle public institutions and services, to consolidate power, and to divide us against each other. They are meant to put money in the pockets of billionaires.
These attacks are fueled by racism, anti-immigrant policies, and anti-trans legislation—not because those things are “about” science, but because divide-and-conquer tactics keep people from uniting to demand the resources and systems we all need.
We also don’t want to go back to the way things were before. The pre-Trump status quo wasn’t working for everyone. What we need now isn’t just clearer communication—it’s collective action.
Those in charge hope we'll take our very real struggles and turn them into fear, blaming each other, blaming immigrants, blaming trans people. But we won't. We are going to choose love. We are going to build the muscle of coming together and learning to take collective action.
The good news? If you’re a scientist or a journalist who’s been pouring your energy into communication, you already have valuable skills: breaking down complex systems, listening with curiosity, working in collaboration, and persisting in the face of uncertainty. These are exactly the skills we need in movements fighting for justice and democracy. We just need a new orientation. We need to get into formation and act together.
If you feel the pull to do something more—but aren’t sure where to start—we want to help. We’re building a network of scientists and science communicators committed to fighting fascism and building a world that works for all of us, not just the privileged few. Whether you join us directly or connect with other orgs moving in the same direction, we want to help you find your organizing home.
Join us. We are Scientists in Solidarity.
The Next Scientists In Solidarity Action Hour is June, 9th at 7PM ET / 6PM CT / 5PM MT / 4PM PT
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/f2cIs2t-SUmr2ufB8buN9Q#/registration
Want to get more involved? Message me on Signal (nicbennett.80) or email me (community@liminalcreations.com) to get more involved.
In solidarity,
Nic Bennett