Love this question. You’re basically asking: how do we respectfully, effectively reach values-aligned experts—many of whom are disillusioned, displaced, or ethically motivated—and invite them into something that feels meaningful, not transactional. LinkedIn can absolutely do that if used the right way.

Here are the top three ways to use LinkedIn (especially paid + semi-paid tools) to connect with these experts and invite them into an AMA, panel, or scholarship-support role for Earth First Startup Weekend.

1. Precision LinkedIn Ads that Signal “This Is About Values, Not Jobs”

Goal: Get the right people to self-identify and raise their hand.

How to do it

Instead of advertising the event, you advertise the mission + the invitation.

Targeting

• Job titles:

  Former or current: Policy Advisor, Program Director, Research Scientist, Public Interest Attorney, Climate Analyst, Digital Equity Lead, Public Health Officer, Civic Technologist

• Employers (past & present):

  EPA, NIH, CDC, NSF, FCC, DOJ, state agencies, universities, public hospitals, nonprofits

• Interests / groups:

  • Climate policy
  • Digital rights
  • Public interest law
  • Civic tech
  • Renewable energy
  • Open source / commons

• Geography: North America + EU (many resignations happened internationally too)

Ad format

• Single image or document ad (PDF works surprisingly well)
• NOT a flashy promo—clean, credible, human

Messaging that works

This is key. These folks are allergic to hype.

“If you left government or public service because you couldn’t compromise your ethics, you’re not alone.”

We’re convening technologists, lawyers, scientists, and organizers to help communities build regenerative, community-owned infrastructure.