Science communication and advocacy is important to all who care about making sure that decisions made at the highest levels of government are evidence-based. There are many ways that individual scientists can get involved. Here are some tools to help:
Outreach
Research shows that by far the most effective way to influence your congressional representative is through personal outreach - especially visits and phone calls. All US citizens are represented in Congress and it is your right to have your voice heard. Use these tools to help!
- Get active during the Entomology Advocacy Week, taking place each year in August. Set aside a couple of hours to advocate for your profession. It is simpler to get involved than you think!
- Follow up on an Action Alert
- Schedule a meeting with your representative. We have tools to help you request a meeting, learn what to expect in a congressional meeting, and communicate effectively with our talking points and communication tips or the sample scripts for science advocacy.
- Need more? How about a full overview - "Tips for Effective Meetings with Policymakers" (An AIBS document).
- Contact your Member of Congress using our online databases of Senators and House Representatives.
Other Resources
- ESA factsheets are a good conversation starter with members of Congress. Use them to help explain what an entomologist does, the importance of entomological research, or even specific policy topics, like IPM or gene drive.
- The ESA position statements provide a scientific resource to explain various topics to lawmakers.
- ESA has a one-page document that provides an overview of ESA and our priorities that serves as a nice resource to provide to lawmakers.
Volunteer
- Biodiversity Task Force subcommittees
- Writing committees
- Science policy committee
- Section science policy activities (SysEB, PBT, MUVE, or P-IE)
Feedback
Let us know what is important to you! Submit your feedback on our science policy efforts here.
Communication Documents
Talking Points and Communication Tips
This document provides tips on how to tailor your message to fit your audience in order to improve your effectiveness in communicating science and delivering your message, as well as talking points, for meeting with members of Congress and their staff.
Congressional Meetings Guide
This document explains how to schedule meetings with members of Congress and with members of state legislatures. It also includes a list of "Dos" and "DON'Ts" during the meetings.
Advocacy Scripts
This page includes a few customizable sample scripts to use when contacting your members of Congress to advocate for issues that you believe in.
Meeting Request Template
This document, which can be used as a template, illustrates how to request a meeting with a member of Congress in writing.
One-Page Factsheet on the Importance of Entomological Research
This one-page document about ESA and the importance of entomological research is a good “leave-behind” for Hill meetings.
Directory of Representatives
This online database can help you find your local congressman or congresswoman. You can search by state, distrtict, or last name.
Directory of Senators
This online database can help you find the U.S. senators for your state.
Sign Up for ESA Advocacy Alerts
Be an advocate for entomology! In 2022, ESA launched a new issue-specific advocacy alert tool, enabling ESA members to easily connect with legislators and offer timely subject-matter expertise. Sign up now to receive ESA science-policy action alerts.