Nic Bennett (they/them)
@nicbennett.bsky.social
Scientists in Solidarity co-founder | Organizing scientists & allies to block authoritarian power and build a science that works for everyone | newsletter: https://buttondown.com/solidarityscience#subscribe-form
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Scientists in Solidarity
We’re a growing community of researchers, educators, and science-adjacent workers who believe that science should serve the public good—not corporate profits or authoritarian power. We know that the f...
buttondown.com
Across race and class, scientists and allies are organizing to defend science as a public good.
We link arms so no one is left behind—because when we stand together, we all rise, and when the powerful divide us, we all lose.
🔬Join Scientists in Solidarity:
🧪 buttondown.com/scientistsin...
We link arms so no one is left behind—because when we stand together, we all rise, and when the powerful divide us, we all lose.
🔬Join Scientists in Solidarity:
🧪 buttondown.com/scientistsin...
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
Submit your art to our Anti-ICE graphic care package! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 7, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Submit your art to our Anti-ICE graphic care package! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Scientists are seeing the same democratic backsliding that others are—but often without language to name it.
📊 That's why we are doing a thematic analysis of Unbreaking to recognize patterns + prepare together.
Learn more:
📊 That's why we are doing a thematic analysis of Unbreaking to recognize patterns + prepare together.
Learn more:
Making Sense of Authoritarian Moves: My Thematic Analysis of Unbreaking
What’s really happening to our government—and how are people resisting? In this issue, we break down Unbreaking, a volunteer-run project tracking authoritarian moves and the countermeasures already…
buttondown.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Scientists are seeing the same democratic backsliding that others are—but often without language to name it.
📊 That's why we are doing a thematic analysis of Unbreaking to recognize patterns + prepare together.
Learn more:
📊 That's why we are doing a thematic analysis of Unbreaking to recognize patterns + prepare together.
Learn more:
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
Tonight at 5pm PT/8pm ET!
Are you feeling the hope? We chose to stand in solidarity with our communities on Tuesday, and to reject the MAGA billionaires' appeals to divide us across race and class.
What's next? Level up your organizing skills with us to build real community power, starting next week:
What's next? Level up your organizing skills with us to build real community power, starting next week:
Power in Solidarity: Fundamentals for Community Organizers (3-part Series) · Showing Up for Racial Justice
Join Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) and the Solidarity Organizing Initiative (SOI) for Power in Solidarity — a powerful, three-part training series designed to ground you in the tools and practi...
www.mobilize.us
November 10, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Tonight at 5pm PT/8pm ET!
Science is being targeted because it’s powerful. When we move together, so are we.
Join the next Scientists in Solidarity Action Hour →
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Join the next Scientists in Solidarity Action Hour →
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Scientists in Solidarity Action Hour. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Scientists in Solidarity: Action Hour
Make meaning. Build power. Take action.
Feeling overwhelmed by the political attacks on science, education, and civil rights? You’re not alone—and you don’t ha...
us02web.zoom.us
November 10, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Science is being targeted because it’s powerful. When we move together, so are we.
Join the next Scientists in Solidarity Action Hour →
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Join the next Scientists in Solidarity Action Hour →
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
How do we move from reacting to responding to attacks on science?
In the latest Scientists in Solidarity newsletter, I share plans for a thematic analysis of Unbreaking to identify authoritarian moves—and the countermoves already underway.
📚 Read here:
In the latest Scientists in Solidarity newsletter, I share plans for a thematic analysis of Unbreaking to identify authoritarian moves—and the countermoves already underway.
📚 Read here:
Making Sense of Authoritarian Moves: My Thematic Analysis of Unbreaking
What’s really happening to our government—and how are people resisting? In this issue, we break down Unbreaking, a volunteer-run project tracking authoritarian moves and the countermeasures already…
buttondown.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
How do we move from reacting to responding to attacks on science?
In the latest Scientists in Solidarity newsletter, I share plans for a thematic analysis of Unbreaking to identify authoritarian moves—and the countermoves already underway.
📚 Read here:
In the latest Scientists in Solidarity newsletter, I share plans for a thematic analysis of Unbreaking to identify authoritarian moves—and the countermoves already underway.
📚 Read here:
authoritarians deliberately create trauma that drives people towards individuals responses
the most effective healing comes through the most effective resistance--> collective resistance activities
antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/mass-traum...
the most effective healing comes through the most effective resistance--> collective resistance activities
antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/mass-traum...
Mass Trauma and Authoritarian Capture
A crucial strategic trap that authoritarians deliberately set is to create trauma that drives people toward individualized responses precisely when collective action is most needed.
antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:24 PM
authoritarians deliberately create trauma that drives people towards individuals responses
the most effective healing comes through the most effective resistance--> collective resistance activities
antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/mass-traum...
the most effective healing comes through the most effective resistance--> collective resistance activities
antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/mass-traum...
Marshall Ganz reminds us in this podcast that "the micro creates the macro." Democracy is what we do, not something we have, and it starts in our day-to-day practices.
Makes me think about how many of our workspaces are not actually democracies. How can we start where we are?
pca.st/io9qjgv3
Makes me think about how many of our workspaces are not actually democracies. How can we start where we are?
pca.st/io9qjgv3
S4E8 – How Do We Sustain Organizations that Sustain Democracy?
pca.st
November 9, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Marshall Ganz reminds us in this podcast that "the micro creates the macro." Democracy is what we do, not something we have, and it starts in our day-to-day practices.
Makes me think about how many of our workspaces are not actually democracies. How can we start where we are?
pca.st/io9qjgv3
Makes me think about how many of our workspaces are not actually democracies. How can we start where we are?
pca.st/io9qjgv3
Justice League paints a picture of reparations and healing in Lansing, where everyone gets their needs met.
Can't wait to see you at their Fall Celebration & Fundraiser next Friday: www.justiceleagueglm.org/event-detail...
Can't wait to see you at their Fall Celebration & Fundraiser next Friday: www.justiceleagueglm.org/event-detail...
November 9, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Justice League paints a picture of reparations and healing in Lansing, where everyone gets their needs met.
Can't wait to see you at their Fall Celebration & Fundraiser next Friday: www.justiceleagueglm.org/event-detail...
Can't wait to see you at their Fall Celebration & Fundraiser next Friday: www.justiceleagueglm.org/event-detail...
my parents have been saving their toilet paper tubes to make an advent calendar for my bunnies 🐰
in a year full of chaos and cruelty, I'm gonna keep pointing myself at the sweetness and joy
in a year full of chaos and cruelty, I'm gonna keep pointing myself at the sweetness and joy
@nicbennett.bsky.social 's folks made a treat advent calendar for the bunnies and it is the best thing ever.
November 8, 2025 at 5:45 PM
my parents have been saving their toilet paper tubes to make an advent calendar for my bunnies 🐰
in a year full of chaos and cruelty, I'm gonna keep pointing myself at the sweetness and joy
in a year full of chaos and cruelty, I'm gonna keep pointing myself at the sweetness and joy
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
🎷Get up and get down for higher ed 🎷
Our coalition rejects the compact!
We believe that higher education should be free from partisan interference and billionaire influence including that of Marc Rowan, who spearheaded Trump’s dangerous loyalty oath compact!
@aft.org
Our coalition rejects the compact!
We believe that higher education should be free from partisan interference and billionaire influence including that of Marc Rowan, who spearheaded Trump’s dangerous loyalty oath compact!
@aft.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
🎷Get up and get down for higher ed 🎷
Our coalition rejects the compact!
We believe that higher education should be free from partisan interference and billionaire influence including that of Marc Rowan, who spearheaded Trump’s dangerous loyalty oath compact!
@aft.org
Our coalition rejects the compact!
We believe that higher education should be free from partisan interference and billionaire influence including that of Marc Rowan, who spearheaded Trump’s dangerous loyalty oath compact!
@aft.org
Come grow your community organizing skills with us!
Solidarity Organizing Initiative and @surj.org are putting on “Power in Solidarity: Fundamentals for Community Organizers (3-part Series)” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/surj/event/8...
Solidarity Organizing Initiative and @surj.org are putting on “Power in Solidarity: Fundamentals for Community Organizers (3-part Series)” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/surj/event/8...
Power in Solidarity: Fundamentals for Community Organizers (3-part Series) · Showing Up for Racial Justice
Join Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) and the Solidarity Organizing Initiative (SOI) for Power in Solidarity — a powerful, three-part training series designed to ground you in the tools and practi...
www.mobilize.us
November 7, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Come grow your community organizing skills with us!
Solidarity Organizing Initiative and @surj.org are putting on “Power in Solidarity: Fundamentals for Community Organizers (3-part Series)” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/surj/event/8...
Solidarity Organizing Initiative and @surj.org are putting on “Power in Solidarity: Fundamentals for Community Organizers (3-part Series)” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/surj/event/8...
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
The most heartening thing about right now is the propensity of my neighbors to run towards trouble
November 7, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The most heartening thing about right now is the propensity of my neighbors to run towards trouble
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
BREAKING: Cornell caved.
Here is the settlement agreement, signed today by the university's president, Michael Kotlikoff: statements.cornell.edu/2025/documen...
Here is the settlement agreement, signed today by the university's president, Michael Kotlikoff: statements.cornell.edu/2025/documen...
November 7, 2025 at 5:11 PM
BREAKING: Cornell caved.
Here is the settlement agreement, signed today by the university's president, Michael Kotlikoff: statements.cornell.edu/2025/documen...
Here is the settlement agreement, signed today by the university's president, Michael Kotlikoff: statements.cornell.edu/2025/documen...
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
Now comes the even harder work. But for tonight, let's celebrate.
November 5, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Now comes the even harder work. But for tonight, let's celebrate.
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
This week's @unbreaking.org update on immigration is *also* an update on data security because the administration is using immigration enforcement as a way to trial and operationalize a full-on surveillance state.
Our Immigration and Data Security teams worked together this week to understand how immigration-linked data grabs and shoddy facial recognition apps are laying the groundwork for a surveillance state.
unbreaking.org/blog/this-we...
unbreaking.org/blog/this-we...
This week at Unbreaking, November 6 — Unbreaking
Unbreaking is built to be an antidote to information overload. Since we launched, we have been meticulously documenting lawsuits, executive orders, court rulings, countermoves, and other key events.
unbreaking.org
November 6, 2025 at 10:13 PM
This week's @unbreaking.org update on immigration is *also* an update on data security because the administration is using immigration enforcement as a way to trial and operationalize a full-on surveillance state.
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
A reminder that if you are called to be part of a jury in a political prosecution you have a right to refuse to convict on the grounds the prosecution is unjust. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Trump’s Politicized Prosecutions May Hit a Roadblock
When the president puts his political enemies on trial on pretextual grounds, jurors have the option of refusing to convict.
www.theatlantic.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:01 PM
A reminder that if you are called to be part of a jury in a political prosecution you have a right to refuse to convict on the grounds the prosecution is unjust. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
We have a new timeline up today on our Medical Research Funding page, documenting the onslaught of political, legal, and bureaucratic attacks on medical research since January:
unbreaking.org/issues/medic...
unbreaking.org/issues/medic...
Medical Research Funding: Timeline — Unbreaking
How the administration is breaking the government, and what that means for all of us.
unbreaking.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:58 PM
We have a new timeline up today on our Medical Research Funding page, documenting the onslaught of political, legal, and bureaucratic attacks on medical research since January:
unbreaking.org/issues/medic...
unbreaking.org/issues/medic...
So many “attacks on science” aren’t random—they follow patterns we can name.
The Scientists in Solidarity newsletter will dig into those patterns using thematic analysis of Unbreaking, mapping authoritarian moves and resistance countermoves in science.
👓 Read:
The Scientists in Solidarity newsletter will dig into those patterns using thematic analysis of Unbreaking, mapping authoritarian moves and resistance countermoves in science.
👓 Read:
Making Sense of Authoritarian Moves: My Thematic Analysis of Unbreaking
What’s really happening to our government—and how are people resisting? In this issue, we break down Unbreaking, a volunteer-run project tracking authoritarian moves and the countermeasures already…
buttondown.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:02 PM
So many “attacks on science” aren’t random—they follow patterns we can name.
The Scientists in Solidarity newsletter will dig into those patterns using thematic analysis of Unbreaking, mapping authoritarian moves and resistance countermoves in science.
👓 Read:
The Scientists in Solidarity newsletter will dig into those patterns using thematic analysis of Unbreaking, mapping authoritarian moves and resistance countermoves in science.
👓 Read:
“Everyone was so welcoming and driven! It was refreshing to be in a space that felt both purposeful and kind.”
That’s what people say about Action Hours — a place for scientists to connect, learn, and take action.
🤸🏾Get in: tinyurl.com/yc3849kc
📘 Stay updated: tinyurl.com/35rpuzdf
That’s what people say about Action Hours — a place for scientists to connect, learn, and take action.
🤸🏾Get in: tinyurl.com/yc3849kc
📘 Stay updated: tinyurl.com/35rpuzdf
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Scientists in Solidarity Action Hour. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Scientists in Solidarity: Action Hour
Make meaning. Build power. Take action.
Feeling overwhelmed by the political attacks on science, education, and civil rights? You’re not alone—and you don’t ha...
tinyurl.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
“Everyone was so welcoming and driven! It was refreshing to be in a space that felt both purposeful and kind.”
That’s what people say about Action Hours — a place for scientists to connect, learn, and take action.
🤸🏾Get in: tinyurl.com/yc3849kc
📘 Stay updated: tinyurl.com/35rpuzdf
That’s what people say about Action Hours — a place for scientists to connect, learn, and take action.
🤸🏾Get in: tinyurl.com/yc3849kc
📘 Stay updated: tinyurl.com/35rpuzdf
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
Nature Reviews Nephrology comment on the harms of NIH grant terminations related to kidney disease
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
November 6, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Nature Reviews Nephrology comment on the harms of NIH grant terminations related to kidney disease
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
stubborn for a living
November 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
stubborn for a living
as we build power, we also find our way back into community
come for the defiance, stay because we are building new cultures of care together
come for the defiance, stay because we are building new cultures of care together
here is my story about how Zohran's focus on community amid the loneliness epidemic helped young people connect their politics to an organizing infrastructure, that interviewed ZM, and does not use the NYT's framing of "they don't know how to make friends" :-) and also ran 4 days before NYT's lol
Zohran Mamdani's Establishment-Fighting Campaign Built Community for Young People
“What Mamdani has done is not only inspire and mobilize young people, but he has exposed the establishment and some of their calcified views of participation and inclusion.”
www.teenvogue.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:34 PM
as we build power, we also find our way back into community
come for the defiance, stay because we are building new cultures of care together
come for the defiance, stay because we are building new cultures of care together
heartening news for those of us trying to build "leader-full" movements --> while leaders that empower others outperformed by leaders that dominate others at first, their teams come out ahead in the long run
hbr.org/2025/09/ever...
hbr.org/2025/09/ever...
Every Team Needs a Super-Facilitator
Most of us have met super-facilitators —people with a talent for bringing individual group members together, combining each one’s unique strengths to promote optimal team performance. Super-facilitato...
hbr.org
November 4, 2025 at 2:17 PM
heartening news for those of us trying to build "leader-full" movements --> while leaders that empower others outperformed by leaders that dominate others at first, their teams come out ahead in the long run
hbr.org/2025/09/ever...
hbr.org/2025/09/ever...
🧩 Latest Scientists in Solidarity newsletter is out:
“Making Sense of Authoritarian Moves”
I’m using thematic analysis of Unbreaking to trace how authoritarian tactics show up in science—and the countermoves we can learn from.
Read here 👉 buttondown.com/scientistsin...
“Making Sense of Authoritarian Moves”
I’m using thematic analysis of Unbreaking to trace how authoritarian tactics show up in science—and the countermoves we can learn from.
Read here 👉 buttondown.com/scientistsin...
Making Sense of Authoritarian Moves: My Thematic Analysis of Unbreaking
What’s really happening to our government—and how are people resisting? In this issue, we break down Unbreaking, a volunteer-run project tracking authoritarian moves and the countermeasures already un...
buttondown.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:16 PM
🧩 Latest Scientists in Solidarity newsletter is out:
“Making Sense of Authoritarian Moves”
I’m using thematic analysis of Unbreaking to trace how authoritarian tactics show up in science—and the countermoves we can learn from.
Read here 👉 buttondown.com/scientistsin...
“Making Sense of Authoritarian Moves”
I’m using thematic analysis of Unbreaking to trace how authoritarian tactics show up in science—and the countermoves we can learn from.
Read here 👉 buttondown.com/scientistsin...
Reposted by Nic Bennett (they/them)
For any unfamiliar with the quality of journalism at Teen Vogue, it's well known for hard-hitting stories on "politically sensitive" topics including climate.
Then there's CBS: the only major network to increase climate coverage in the last few years. They just axed nearly their whole climate team.
Then there's CBS: the only major network to increase climate coverage in the last few years. They just axed nearly their whole climate team.
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 8:25 PM
For any unfamiliar with the quality of journalism at Teen Vogue, it's well known for hard-hitting stories on "politically sensitive" topics including climate.
Then there's CBS: the only major network to increase climate coverage in the last few years. They just axed nearly their whole climate team.
Then there's CBS: the only major network to increase climate coverage in the last few years. They just axed nearly their whole climate team.