March for Science FAQ
This is a living document, and we will keep updating this page with information to share as we get closer to the day of the marches.
Q: When is the March for Science?
A: April 22, 2017. For the DC event, people may begin congregating at the National Mall at 8 a.m., and the event kicks off at 9 a.m. Check the satellite map to find local pages for times at other locations.
For details specific to the Washington D.C. event, please visit our event page.
Q: Where are marches being held and how are they organized?
A: Marches for Science happening in close to 500 communities around the world! Each satellite march is organized independently, but they all unite under shared principles and goals. For a comprehensive list, please visit our satellite marches page.
Q: How do I get to Washington DC?
A: Check out the Washington D.C march FAQs.
Q: If I don’t find a march listed for my area, how do I register one?
A: If you want to start a march, please register it by contacting us at [email protected].
Q: How will you achieve your goals?
A: The goal of the march itself is to highlight the valuable public service role science plays in society and policy and demonstrate the deep public support for science. The March for Science movement has goals that extend long past gathering a crowd on April 22. As a lasting national organization, we will encourage marchers to uphold our shared values and take specific actions, including strengthening the bonds between scientists and the public, engaging in ongoing science education, fighting discrimination in our own institutions and our communities, and insisting their legislators propose and enact evidence based policies.
Q: How does the march define being political?
A: The march is explicitly a political movement, aimed at holding leaders in politics and science accountable. When institutions of any affiliation skew, ignore, misuse or interfere with science, we have to speak out. Science should inform political decision making. At the same time, political decisions deeply influence the type of science we are able to do and the type of people who are allowed to conduct science and benefit from scientific advancements.
Q: What does the march mean when it says it’s non-partisan?
A: We take strong stands on policy issues based on the best available scientific evidence, but we will not let our movement be defined by any one politician or party nor do we try to advance the prospects of any party or individual. Science affects people everywhere, and we want to build a movement that can advance science’s ability to serve communities for a very long time, long after today’s politicians have left office and however political parties evolve.
Q: How is the march integrating inclusion, diversity, equity, and access?
A: Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are integral to our mission and to our overall goals and principles. We cannot ignore issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, xenophobia, or any other form of discrimination in the discussion and implementation of science. Nor can we ignore the ways in which science has been misused to harm marginalized communities. The lack of inclusivity and diversity in STEM thwarts scientific advancements not only by limiting who conducts the research, but also by influencing what topics are studied, who participates in the research, and who will benefit from or be harmed by it. We are actively working with partner organizations and experts on these issues and march organizers come from and stand in solidarity with historically underrepresented scientists, science advocates, and communities impacted by attacks on science.
Q: How did the March for Science get started?
A: The March for Science is a volunteer-led and collaborative movement. Our formal organization started after scientists and science supporters discussing the idea separately on various social media platforms united and began receiving support from all over the world. We’ve been astonished and thrilled to see this idea embraced and propelled among science-supporting communities around the globe.
Q: Who are the national organizers?
A: The national committee members are volunteers from all over the world. We represent a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and relationships with science. For more information on our team, visit our About Us page.
Q: Will there be ADA-compliant accommodations for people with disabilities?
A: For the DC march and rally, we have prioritized accessibility at all levels of the event. We are working with an ASL coordinator to supply the march with ASL interpreters. Further information can be found on our accessibility page. We are also encouraging satellite marches to work with local experts and groups to make their marches as accessible as possible, too. In addition, there will be a virtual march live-streamed during the event. People who are unable to attend a local march will be able to register their attendance at the virtual march and we encourage everyone to submit photos and stories to be shared on our site on April 22.
Q: What is your policy on non-violence?
A: Our marches are peaceful. We will encourage everyone to participate in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration and our statement on non-violence says more.
Q: How are you dealing with online harassment?
A: We have an online anti-harassment policy to block and ban hateful, rude and discriminatory remarks. To flag an issue, please contact a March for Science administrator on the relevant social media platform.
Q: What is your relationship with Earth Day Network?
A: When the March for Science took off, Earth Day Network (EDN) reached out with exciting ideas to co-organize a rally and teach-in on the national mall. MFS is partnered with EDN exclusively for the Washington D.C. March for Science event.
Q: Does the March for Science have a relationship with the People’s Climate March?
A: The March for Science and the People’s Climate March (PCM) happening on April 29 are not partnered; however, our organizations are in touch. Many people who care about science also care about climate change issues and vice-versa. We are planning a dedicated week of action that will take place between our march and the PCM.
Q: I work for the federal government. Can I participate in the march?
A: We have put together tips for federal employees who wish to participate in the march, available here. If you cannot for any reason, you can still march virtually!