Bridging Communities
Bridging Communities
Engaging policymakers, journalists, and community leaders
We believe scientists can be agents of change when they engage directly with the people who can benefit from their knowledge. We strategically connect scientists to key communities and people positioned to influence and enact change, crossing boundaries and sparking new collaborations.
Working with Outside Experts
Why we bring in outside experts
Bringing diverse voices and perspectives together leads to transformative change. Our 20 years of relationship-building with policymakers, journalists, and community leaders position us to bring the right people together when the time is right for evidence-based ideas and solutions. Top experts generously share their on-the-ground experience in policy, media, and leadership with scientists in our workshops and events.
Journalists
How we work with journalists
Journalists partner with us to make new connections, hear untold stories, and inspire scientists to think about their work in new ways. We strategically connect journalists to scientists in a variety of ways—as outside experts in our workshops, locally or regionally through events like our Montana wildfire field trip, and at key scientific convenings, like our biennial journalist travel award to attend the North American Congress for Conservation Biology (NACCB). Journalists who partner and engage with COMPASS reflect unique identities, voices, outlets, and perspectives, and are committed to working with diverse scientists to uncover new stories and solutions.
Policymakers
How we work with policymakers
Policymakers, much like journalists, benefit from their relationship with COMPASS by learning about issues that impact their constituents and hearing diverse perspectives on how to solve our biggest challenges, like biodiversity loss and climate change. We hold scientific briefings on Capitol Hill and at the state level to address knowledge gaps that we see and needs expressed by legislative staffers. We can also help policymakers find topical experts who are prepared to share their knowledge clearly and compellingly.
Tools & Resources
Tools and tips for engaging with policymakers & journalists
Nervous about returning a journalists’ call? Antsy about talking with an elected official? Looking to share insights from your research with others in a way that’s meaningful for them? We’ve pulled our key digital resources together in one place for you.