All politics are local. The American Astronomical Society needs you to communicate the importance of astronomical research to Congress.

Volunteers will learn how to most effectively communicate with policy makers and travel to Washington, DC to meet with policy makers. The goal is to have astronomers visit Washington each week Congress is in session and to visit every Congressional office, the Congressional science committee offices, and the White House.  The Communicating With Washington page has more information and detailed instructions. 

Sign-up opens on 1 March, 2013 for visits with policy makers between 8 April and 28 June, 2013. The sign-up will close by 15 March, 2013.  We select volunteers who balance the program by location, time of visit, career stage, and experience to meet the goals of the program. Selected volunteers will be notified by 18 March, 2013.

Another round of sign-ups will begin around June 2013 for congressional visits between July to August, 2013.

Update 11 February, 2013: Thank you for your interest in the program. Sign-up is now closed.