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CAST depends on scientists, researchers, and professionals who contribute their expertise to publications, programs, and governance. This hub covers every volunteer role at CAST — what you do, what CAST does for you, the policies that apply, and who to contact.

Volunteer Hub

Programs

CAST programs bring scientific expertise to broader audiences through essays, live events, and audio. Each format is different — here’s what to expect from each one.

Programs — CAST Volunteers
CAST Voices

CAST Voices

CAST Voices is an essay series where agricultural scientists and professionals share their perspective on issues at the intersection of science, food, and society. Essays are published on cast-science.org and promoted across all CAST channels.

Voices essays are opinion and perspective pieces — they represent the author's views, not CAST's institutional position. This format gives contributors a platform to speak in their own voice on topics they care about.

Process

Most Voices essays are invited — CAST staff reach out to authors based on their expertise and the topics CAST is covering. Authors may also pitch directly to CAST staff.

  1. CAST staff reach out with a topic and brief, or the author pitches an idea.
  2. Author writes the essay and submits a draft to CAST staff.
  3. CAST staff provide light editorial feedback — clarity, structure, length.
  4. Author reviews and approves the final version.
  5. CAST publishes and promotes the essay.

Standard disclaimer: All Voices essays carry a disclosure stating that opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the views or policies of CAST. This is non-negotiable and appears on every published essay.

FAQ
How long should a Voices essay be?
Typically 600–1,000 words. CAST staff will give you a target length when you're invited or when your pitch is accepted.
Can I pitch a topic I want to write about?
Yes. Send a brief description of the topic and your angle to your CAST program contact. CAST staff review pitches and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Can I republish my Voices essay elsewhere?
Talk to CAST staff first. In general, republication is possible after the CAST essay has been live for a reasonable period, with attribution to the original CAST publication.

Promotion

Every Voices essay receives full promotion on publication day:

  • Social media: Posts across LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram — using your headshot and bio. CAST may tag you and your institution.
  • Newsletter: Featured in the Connections newsletter to CAST members and subscribers.
  • Share kit: Text-based kit with suggested language for you to share through your own channels and with your institution's communications team.
  • Reach report: After publication, CAST sends you website views, social reach, and engagement data.
FAQ
Will CAST tag me on social media?
Yes, if you have a public LinkedIn, X, or Instagram profile. Include your handle with your profile submission.
Can my institution co-promote the essay?
Yes, and CAST encourages it. Forward the share kit to your institution's communications team when CAST sends it to you.

Your Profile

CAST needs the following from every Voices author:

  • Headshot (JPEG or PNG, minimum 800px wide)
  • Short bio (2–3 sentences: name, title, institution, area of expertise)
  • LinkedIn profile URL and any social handles you want tagged

Submit when you confirm participation — not on publication day.

Webinars

Webinars

CAST webinars are live online events where speakers present on timely topics in agricultural science and policy. Sessions are recorded, made available on demand, and used across CAST's content channels.

Process

CAST coordinates all technical and logistical aspects. Speakers focus on content preparation and delivery.

  1. CAST staff confirm your participation and send a speaker briefing with topic, audience, format, and date.
  2. You prepare your presentation and submit slides to CAST staff by the agreed deadline.
  3. CAST conducts a tech check before the event via StreamYard.
  4. CAST hosts and manages the live session — you present and answer questions.
  5. CAST edits and distributes the recording after the event.

Platform: CAST webinars are produced on StreamYard. You do not need an account — CAST staff will send you a guest link before the event. A stable internet connection, a working camera, and a microphone are required. Use Chrome or Firefox for the best experience.

FAQ
What format should my slides be in?
PowerPoint or PDF preferred. Submit to CAST staff at least 48 hours before the event. CAST will share slides during the session — you do not need to share your own screen.
Is the session recorded?
Yes. All CAST webinars are recorded and made available on demand. By participating, you consent to being recorded and to CAST distributing the recording.
What if I need to cancel?
Notify CAST staff as soon as possible. The sooner we know, the more options we have to reschedule or find a replacement.

Promotion

CAST promotes webinars before and after the event:

  • Pre-event: Social posts and newsletter mention with your name, title, and headshot to drive registration.
  • Live event: CAST manages registration, reminders, and attendee communications.
  • Post-event: Recording distributed via CAST channels; clips may be used on social media. Share kit sent for your own networks.
  • Reach report: After the event, CAST sends attendance data and recording view counts.
FAQ
Can my institution promote the webinar independently?
Yes. CAST will provide a registration link and suggested promotional copy you can forward to your communications team.
Can I get a copy of the recording?
Yes. CAST will share the recording link after it is processed. Contact your CAST staff contact if you need it in a specific format.

Your Profile

CAST needs the following from every webinar speaker:

  • Headshot (JPEG or PNG, minimum 800px wide)
  • Short bio (2–3 sentences: name, title, institution, area of expertise)
  • LinkedIn profile URL and any social handles you want tagged in promotion

Submit when you confirm participation — CAST needs this to begin pre-event promotion.

Pulse Podcast

Pulse Podcast

The CAST Pulse Podcast features conversations with scientists, researchers, and practitioners on timely topics in agricultural science and food systems. Episodes are produced by CAST and distributed across all major podcast platforms.

Process

CAST handles all production. Guests prepare for the conversation — not a performance.

  1. CAST staff reach out with a topic, angle, and expected episode format.
  2. You receive a brief with suggested talking points and background context before recording.
  3. CAST conducts a brief tech check to confirm audio quality.
  4. The interview is recorded remotely via StreamYard — typically 30–45 minutes.
  5. CAST edits the episode, adds intro/outro, and schedules publication.
  6. CAST sends you the episode link before or on publication day.

Audio quality matters: Record in a quiet space, use a headset or external microphone if available, and test your connection before the session. CAST will guide you through this during the tech check.

FAQ
Do I need to prepare a script?
No. CAST sends talking points and context in advance, but the conversation is unscripted. The goal is a natural, expert discussion — not a polished presentation.
How long is a typical episode?
Published episodes typically run 20–40 minutes. The recorded conversation may be longer — CAST edits for clarity and pacing.
Can I review the episode before it's published?
CAST will share the episode with you before publication. Major factual corrections are addressed; light editorial decisions about pacing and structure remain with CAST.
What if I misspeak during the recording?
Just say so in the moment — CAST can edit it out. Don't worry about small stumbles; that's what editing is for.

Promotion

Every episode gets full promotion on release day:

  • Social media: Posts across LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram — including clips and quotes from your episode. CAST may tag you and your institution.
  • Newsletter: Featured in Pulse and Connections newsletters.
  • Share kit: Text-based kit with suggested copy, episode link, and platform links for you and your institution.
  • Reach report: After release, CAST sends episode play counts and social reach data.
FAQ
Where is the podcast distributed?
The CAST Pulse Podcast is available on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the CAST website. CAST manages distribution — you don't need to do anything to make it available.
Can I share the episode on my own channels?
Yes, and CAST encourages it. The share kit has everything you need — suggested copy, episode link, and social handles to tag.

Your Profile

CAST needs the following from every podcast guest:

  • Headshot (JPEG or PNG, minimum 800px wide)
  • Short bio (2–3 sentences: name, title, institution, area of expertise)
  • LinkedIn profile URL and any social handles you want tagged in promotion

Submit when you confirm participation. Your headshot is used in episode social posts and on the CAST website episode listing.

Volunteer Questions Kaylee Kleitsch Programs & Engagement Manager kkleitsch@cast-science.org
Communications & Promotion Carlos Back Vianna Director of Marketing & Communications cvianna@cast-science.org

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Your donation to CAST helps support the CAST mission of communicating science to meet the challenge of producing enough food, fiber and fuel for a growing population. Every gift, no matter the size, is appreciated.
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