Get Engaged in Science Policy. Here’s How to Start.

The Trump administration’s actions over the course of this year have sent shock waves through science agencies and the research community in the United States. Federal science funding is being withheld, international students’ visas are in jeopardy, and universities are under increasing pressure to comply with government demands. While Congressional majority leaders have appeared reluctant to push back against the White House, recent budget negotiations in the House and Senate show there is interest in mitigating potential harms.

Science advocacy has an important role to play in encouraging lawmakers to protect science programs. But particularly for those with little experience in policy, it is difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are many resources an organizations that are well positioned to help empower scientists interested in getting involved. Universities and major scientific societies have public affairs offices that advocate on behalf of their communities, and these offices can better target their efforts if they know how federal actions are affecting individuals. You can also reach out to lawmakers on your own. Whether you are participating in a grassroots campaign or approaching your lawmaker directly, there are a few simple steps to jump starting engagement with congressional staff.

1. Know the Details

To be an effective advocate and resource for lawmakers’ staff, you must understand the policy landscape of your issue. You are well positioned to make an impact when you can answer the following questions.

• Which government agencies fund your research? Which agencies enact policies that impact your field?
• Which members of the US Congress represent your institution and place of residence in the Senate and House? (Not sure? Check out congress.gov/members/find-your-member to find out.) What are your members’ priorities? Have they spoken on record about the issue?
• What are the most recent news stories about your issue? How they are relevant to your members’ districts or states?

Scientists active in policy often use their membership in professional associations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Physical Society (APS), the American Astronomical Society (AAS), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to track the latest developments in Congress. These organizations’ public affairs and government relations websites will often have information about their activities, advocacy priorities, and information about how to get involved. In many cases, they can also guide and coordinate grassroots actions such as by leading letter-writing campaigns, advising on how to craft an effective message, and organizing visits to the offices of members of Congress. Other rich sources of information include science policy news outlets like FYI from AIP, ScienceInsider from Science magazine, and Nature, and community-building organizations like the National Science Policy Network (NSPN). Lastly, along with local and national news outlets, members’ websites and the congressional science committees also provide a lot of information about current legislative priorities.

2. Kickstart Connection

Don’t be afraid to simply reach out to your local members’ offices to request a meeting to discuss your issue. Keep in mind that staffers are busy and must juggle portfolios of many policy issues which often do not overlap. They also receive dozens of emails every day from constituents asking for their help or attention. For this reason, it is best to be direct, polite, and concise in your emails, and don’t be afraid to email a staffer a second time if they have not responded. In your meeting, include details on the practical impact of your research and how it benefits the local community. Use personal stories and a few key data points to quickly establish context for your issue to the staffers. In selling the importance of your research, never suggest that someone else’s research should be deprioritized.

3. Keep It Going

You should position yourself as a key resource on your issue and aim to make it as easy as possible for the staffer to understand its importance. Promptly follow up your meeting with helpful resources, such as relevant reports, news articles, and easily understandable data. Find reasons to keep in touch roughly every month. Send the staffer new research findings, upcoming events, or relevant news articles and identify any opportunities for them to get more involved in supporting your issue.

With these three simple steps, you can start building productive relationships with lawmakers’ staff and elevate the importance of the physical sciences in the US.