Kishore Hari
19 January 2026
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. asked this question over half a century ago, and it remains as vital today as ever. Tomorrow, we honor his legacy on MLK Day, a national day of service. But service doesn’t always mean picking up a hammer or ladling soup (though those are wonderful too). Here in the Bay Area, countless organizations blend scientific understanding with community action, turning curiosity into care for our shared world.
I’ve been volunteering monthly with Refuse Refuse, helping clean up litter across San Francisco neighborhoods. Founded by the indefatigable Vincent Yuen, who has spent years picking up trash, mapping dumping hotspots, and turning everyday walks into acts of environmental stewardship, Refuse Refuse shows how simple, consistent action can transform communities. Vincent’s work reminds us that caring for our environment doesn’t require a PhD; it just requires showing up.
And he’s far from alone. Groups like Point Blue Conservation Science combine cutting-edge marine research with accessible public programs (this Friday, they’re teaching families about krill at the Exploratorium). All Hands Ecology invites community scientists to help monitor shorebirds at places like Cypress Grove Preserve, turning bird watching into meaningful conservation data. Environmental Volunteers runs hands-on restoration workdays where anyone can help restore native habitat while learning about local ecosystems. The Marine Mammal Center trains volunteers to rescue stranded seals and sea lions, transforming compassion into science-based action.
These are just a few examples. There are so many volunteer groups across the Bay Area doing amazing things that blend science and service, from trail maintenance crews to citizen science projects to environmental education programs. There are endless ways to help.
Where do you volunteer? We’d love to hear about the groups you support that combine science and service. Reply to this newsletter and share your story!
This week, we’ve got fascinating talks on computing history, self-compassion research, and tiny crustaceans that feed the largest animals on Earth. May they inspire you to keep asking: What are you doing for others?
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK – My Picks
- Reade Me: The Books that Inspired the Computing Revolution – Monday, January 20, 7:00 PM – Computer History Museum, Mountain View
- Treat Yourself Like a Friend: The Power of Self-Compassion – Thursday, January 22, 7:00 PM – BigBrain, The New Parkway Theater, Oakland
- Krillin’ in the California Current – Friday, January 23, 10:00 AM – Exploratorium, San Francisco
Have a great week in Science!
Kishore Hari
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