March 9th, 2018, State Capitol – The March for Science is a global organization that advocates for evidence-based science policies that serve all communities. On April 14, we will continue to use the momentum of last year’s march to hold our political leaders accountable for passing equitable, evidence-based policies that serve all people and all communities. March for Science Olympia will be leading a sister march from the state capitol, along Capitol Way, to a booth fair featuring local science-backed organizations in Heritage Park. Marchers will rally at 11 am at the North Capitol steps, begin marching at 11:45, and reach Heritage Park around 12:15.
A fight to defend reality
The head of the EPA doesn’t ‘believe’ in climate change and works to dismantle research. The CDC is legally prohibited from studying gun violence. Science is our best tool for understanding the world as it really exists—regardless of what is politically or economically expedient to believe. Our fight to define, defend, and change reality is not over and not forgotten. We are just beginning.
Last year, we demonstrated in the first ever March for Science internationally and in Olympia. Five thousand conscientious citizens arrived with incredible signs and empowered chants to march Capitol Way and meet local organizations making a difference through research, application, and education. “The info booths were a nice extra and the marching bands were fantastic and added a lot to the spirit and energy of the march. But mostly: I just like that it happened and so many joined in.”(anonymous, from post-March survey) Craig Burger, MD, states, “There were so many great signs and conversations around The March for Science last year. We need to have those conversations again—if we have learned anything this year it would be that science cannot thrive in silence.”
Capital High leads the way
This year, students from Capital High School (CHS) have stepped up to demand evidence from our political leaders. “When scientists tell us that something as dramatic as climate change is a real and present danger, we need to listen.” says Ezra Mead, senior at CHS. “I have a passion for ecology and I really want more people to have the tools to understand and connect with the world around us,” adds Peter Geissler, a senior and a volunteer at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The students bring energy, passion, and new ideas into March for Science planning.
Our students are helping us to collaborate in new ways with groups like the Thurston Climate Action Team. We are already working with many of the organizations we met in 2017, including Artesian Rumble Arkestra and Bloodworks Northwest, who will be hosting a blood drive onsite. We saved 72 lives with our blood drive last year! Now we are asking for your support for our 2018 March for Science.
The March for Science grew from a single-day event on April 22 to a movement that champions robustly funded science as pillars of human freedom and prosperity. As a global network of more than 1800 satellite organizers and 300 partners, the MFS network unites as a diverse, nonpartisan group to call for science that upholds the common good and for political leaders and policymakers to enact evidence-based policies in the public interest. On April 14, cities around the world will once again unite in a day for science advocacy.
For more information on March for Science Olympia, contact us at:
marchforscienceoly.wordpress.com
marchforscience.olympia@gmail.com
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