This morning I got one of those political emails. Most I delete without even reading. They are usually all pretty similar in that this or that candidate needs my money. The subject line of this one caught my attention. It seemed this group was interested in electing scientists to political office.

So I googled the name of the organization and thought this group was interesting and worth supporting. I am a retired scientist (from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC) and know the importance of science to our complex society. Politically I am an Independent but have become more anti-Republican as that party has become increasingly anti-science and then authoritarian.

The mission of 314action to elect more scientists to political offices at all levels. The first paragraph of the mission statement sums it up nicely:

We’re on a mission to elect more scientists to Congress, state legislatures, and local offices. As trained problem-solvers, STEM professionals are ready, willing, and able to find solutions for the significant challenges facing America in the 21st century.

It does this in 2 parts. The 501(c)4 non-profit advocates for the importance of science and the political action committee (PAC) contributes to candidates for office. Both are important.

Why 314? I have read that it is for the first 3 digits of pi. Since it is sometimes written as 3.14 Action that would seem correct.