Stand Up for Science plans empty-chair town halls in Ohio and Kentucky

Stand Up for Science will hold a four-stop series of public “empty chair” town halls starting Aug. 31 in congressional districts in Ohio and Kentucky. The group says the events are meant to give local science advocates and voters a forum after lawmakers in those districts have not engaged with constituent concerns.

Why it matters: - The events give science advocates and voters a public forum during congressional recess. - Stand Up for Science says the town halls are a response to concerns that incumbent lawmakers in the targeted districts are not listening to constituents. - The series extends the group’s effort to mobilize support for science funding and federal science agencies.

What happened: - Stand Up for Science is hosting a series of in-person “empty chair” town halls starting Monday, Aug. 31. - The tour includes three congressional districts in Ohio and one in Kentucky. - The stops are near Cleveland, Ohio (OH-7) on Aug. 31, in Columbus, Ohio (OH-15) on Sept. 1, in Dayton, Ohio (OH-10) on Sept. 2, and in Lexington, Kentucky (KY-6) on Sept. 3. - All events begin at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. - The events are open to the public, and members of the press are invited to attend. - Registration is requested.

The details: - Dr. Colette Delawalla, Stand Up for Science’s CEO and founder, said the organization is holding the town halls because congressional recess is traditionally a time for lawmakers to meet with constituents. - Delawalla said the group is hearing from science advocates that the incumbents in the four districts are not engaging with those concerns. - The town halls are being hosted by Delawalla and the Stand Up for Science team. - The organization describes the events as a way to let people share their concerns directly with the group. - Registration information is available through the group’s announcement: Register for a town hall.

Between the lines: - The tour is part town hall, part political pressure campaign, using the symbolism of an “empty chair” to spotlight absent lawmakers. - Stand Up for Science is framing the events around constituent concerns, not just science policy, which broadens the appeal beyond researchers. - The group’s messaging suggests it wants to turn local frustration into public-facing momentum heading into future advocacy fights.

What’s next: - The four town halls will unfold over four consecutive days beginning Aug. 31. - The group is encouraging attendees and press to register ahead of time. - Stand Up for Science is likely to use turnout and public feedback from the events to shape its next round of advocacy.

The bottom line: - Stand Up for Science is bringing its science advocacy campaign directly into four battleground congressional districts, betting that public pressure can fill the gap left by absent lawmakers.