Episode 28: From Evidence to Power - Organizing for Public Health with Jon Shaffer, PhD

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 )