The 2-day workshop focused on the legislative process and how constituents can influence policymakers. In addition to providing guidelines for contacting representatives and senators in Washington, APA staff stressed the importance of local contacts in districts and states.
While in Washington, the workshop participants met with an expert from the Congressional Research Service, senior Senate staff person and APA Board Member Patrick DeLeon, PhD, JD, and PPO staff to discuss the impact of grassroots efforts and current Department of Defense research issues.
The participants responded enthusiastically to the workshop, especially after they had the chance to put to use what they learned by visiting the Washington offices of their representatives. For many, this was a first, but not a last, visit to a congressional office.
APA staff emphasized that constituents can influence the legislative process by writing and calling congressional offices with timely and pertinent information and opinions on pending legislation. The workshop participants were also encouraged to take advantage of their legislators' regular visits to their districts or states. Legislators are often more accessible at these times, and meetings can be arranged more easily.
An important part of training members to be effective advocates is providing them with the timely information they need to keep track of rapidly changing issues and legislation. This support is available through the Science Directorate and the Public Policy Office, which have established the Science Advocate Network--an electronic grassroots information network.
For more information on the advocacy training workshops or the Science Advocate Network, contact either Elizabeth Baldwin (PPO) at eab.apa@email.apa.org, or Merry Bullock, PhD (Science) at mxb.apa@email.apa.org.