Organizer–sociologist Jon Shaffer, PhD, (Defend Public Health / University of Vermont) joins Heather to talk about turning evidence into local, winnable public-health protections. We dig into why “apolitical” public health backfires, how real teams (not one-off mobilizations) build durable power, and practical, nonpartisan roles for scientists and clinicians—even if you only have an hour a month. Though this moment really deserves more from each of us.
In this episode: • Why public health is inherently political—and what it costs to ignore that • Organizing vs. advocacy vs. lobbying (and why teams are the power unit) • What a mini-campaign looks like and how it strengthens a new team • Overcoming fear with relationships, stories, and clear, winnable demands • Why state-level organizing fits local political culture—and actually wins
Take action: • Join a digital action today: https://www.defendpublichealth.org/get-involved • Set up a 1:1 with Jon to plug into a state team: jonshaff@gmail.com
Disclaimer: Views expressed by guests are their own.
(Full blog post + transcript at infectiousdose.com )
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