Earlier this year, we launched a new initiative to explore what community organizing can offer to scientists facing today’s pressing challenges. With science increasingly caught in the crosshairs of political polarization, misinformation, and institutional erosion, many in the research community are asking: How can we show up differently? Our answer begins with learning from those who have been building power and advocating for change long before “STEM advocacy” entered the mainstream.
As part of this effort, we convened four small book clubs to read and reflect on foundational texts in community organizing. Our goal: to spark conversation among STEM professionals and build toward a practical handbook that shares insights and strategies for mobilizing collectively in support of science, and scientists.
We’re now in the final month of the book club phase, and we’re excited to share some early updates on how it’s going.
Getting Started
Recruitment for the book clubs began in late March. We received 33 applications from across the U.S., with participants ranging in discipline, institution type, and experience with organizing. Our goal was to bring together a diverse group of voices and create space for rich, meaningful conversations. We ultimately selected 16 participants (four per book group) based on alignment with the project goals and a commitment to engaging deeply in the process. All selected participants received a copy of their book.
In the last week of April, we onboarded participants sharing reading schedules, reflection prompts, a private Slack space, and collaborative journaling tools.
The Book Clubs in Action
Book clubs launched the first week of May, and since then, all four groups have been meeting regularly (most every other week via Zoom). Some participants have taken advantage of the private slack channels, sharing resources and findings with other participants, or shared journals where participants can read and comment on others’ reflections. These multi-modal spaces have allowed ideas to breathe and deepen beyond the boundaries of live discussion.
We’re pleased to report a strong participation rate of approximately 81%, with only three participants stepping away from the program. Now in Week 8 of the 12-week cycle, we’re heading into the final stretch, with wrap-up discussions scheduled for late July.
Across all four groups, rich and layered conversations have explored organizing practices, power dynamics, institutional barriers, and the deeply personal reasons why STEM professionals are stepping into this work. Each group brings its own energy and insights, creating space for reflection, storytelling, and skill-building.
A Look at the Books We’re Reading
Each group is reading one of the following community organizing texts:
- Building Powerful Community Organizations by Michael Jacoby Brown
A step-by-step guide for building grassroots groups that can solve local problems and advocate for social change. From running effective meetings to motivating volunteers, this book has sparked dialogue around what it takes to build something from the ground up—and keep it going. - Fearless Change by Mary Lynn Manns and Linda Rising
Focused on the challenges of introducing new ideas in resistant systems, this book offers 48 “change patterns” backed by research and lived experience. - Collective Action for Social Change by Aaron Schutz and Marie G. Sandy
Grounded in theory but rich with practical insights, this book invites readers to think like organizers and to understand how private experiences of frustration and injustice can be transformed into collective power. - Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky
A provocative classic that continues to stir debate, this book challenges readers to rethink what it means to be strategic, to build alliances, and to operate within (and against) the status quo.
Check out the projects page for more information about each book.
What We’re Learning
Across the four groups, some clear themes have emerged—highlighting not just what participants are learning from the books, but also what they’re uncovering about themselves, their work, and the systems they operate within.
01
Power Isn’t a Dirty Word. It’s a Necessity
Participants have been reflecting deeply on the role of power—not only in oppressive systems, but in movements for change. Whether unpacking Alinsky’s pragmatism or Schutz’s framing of collective action, there’s a shared recognition that STEM professionals often feel uncomfortable wielding power—but that it’s essential for impact. Many noted a shift from viewing power as inherently negative to seeing it as a tool for creating accountable, people-centered change.
02
Leadership Development and Sustainability Matter
From student-led efforts to departmental initiatives, conversations have consistently returned to the challenge of building durable efforts in transient environments. Whether it’s students graduating or researchers changing institutions, participants are wrestling with how to build leadership that lasts—and how to create structures that don’t rely on a single charismatic person to carry the weight.
03
Relationship-Building Is the Starting Point for Collective Action
A recurring theme across book clubs is that organizing begins with relationships, not action items. Many participants noted that in science and academia, it’s easy to overlook the need to connect with people before asking them to act. But as several books emphasize, and discussions affirmed, people won’t get involved just because an issue is important in the abstract. Everyone has their own reasons for showing up, and those reasons are shaped by personal experience, values, and context. Effective organizers take time to listen and build trust so they can understand what motivates others and tailor engagement accordingly. As one participant shared, “When you sit with people and ask what they care about, that’s when they show up.”
04
Balancing Risk, Burnout, and the Call to Organize
Across all groups, participants have acknowledged the emotional weight of this moment: fear of retaliation, burnout from overwork, and the risk of putting oneself “out there” in advocacy efforts. But these conversations have also been sources of hope. Many expressed a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie, finding energy in knowing others share their struggles and aspirations.
Asynchronous Book Club
We also invited those not selected for the synchronous book clubs (and anyone from the broader public) to participate asynchronously. Asynchronous participants received a curated schedule of readings and reflection questions, access to a shared journal space, and invitations to a Slack channel for community-wide discussion. While these readers aren’t meeting in real time, folks were given the opportunity to contribute rich insights through writing and online interaction.
What’s Next
As we move into the final weeks of the book clubs, we’re continuing to collect key takeaways and reflections from each group. These insights will become the foundation for our upcoming Organizing for STEM handbook. The handbook will highlight actionable strategies, spotlight real-world use cases, and reflect the collective wisdom of everyone who participated in this learning journey. To continue to receive updates on this project, please follow us on LinkedIn.
Acknowledgements
Funding for this project is provided by the RIOS Institute.
Photo Credit: Susan Q Yin on Unsplash