Lessons Learned From Representing SSSA: How Should We Advocate for Forest Soils?.

As forest soil scientists, our advocacy is directed at diverse groups ranging from local to national audiences. This presentation is one person’s ideas of how to best represent forest soil issues during the advocacy process. The lessons learned from representing the Soil Science Society of America with the Science Policy Office are: 1.Don’t assume your audience knows something about forest soils; 2. Advocating for forest soils is more difficult than advocating for a commodity; 3. Advocacy is education; 4. Learn the objectives of your audience; 5. Leave each visit with an idea of what to do next; 6. Deliver on what you promise as soon as possible; and 7. Constantly follow up over time with your contacts. These lessons will be illustrated with examples from the speaker’s recent experience.