Think that what goes on in Washington, DC has nothing to do with you? Well, if you or your lab receives funding from USDA, NSF, DOE or any other federal agency, then you have a vested interest in what happens in our government. Congress controls how much funding these agencies receive, which determines how many grants and fellowships they can award. Even if you don’t realize it, these funding decisions have a dramatic effect on your current and future professional opportunities.

Whether you write to your Congressmen every week or you don’t know what district you vote in, this session will give you the knowledge and tools to more effectively engage in science policy. Attendees will get an “advocacy 101” lesson and learn why it’s so critical for scientists and grad students to engage in advocacy. Learn about the advocacy activities offered through the Science Policy Office, including the Congressional Science Fellowship, the Congressional Visits Day and the Legislative Action Network. Panelists will each give a brief presentation before opening the floor for Q&A. The remainder of the session will be dedicated to one-on-one conversations between small groups of students and individual panelists. Lunch included in registration.

Panel speakers will include:

ASA, CSSA & SSSA Director of Government Relations - Karl Anderson

2013 ASA, CSSA & SSSA Congressional Science Fellow - Samantha Shoaf

2013 Congressional Visits Day alumni