Impacted Members/Scientists: Request a membership waiver, seek meeting support, and other resources. Learn more. For the latest public policy updates, please visit this page.
Contact
This page is a work in progress. If there is some information that you would like to see included here, then please email those suggestions to the Public Policy staff.
Joel Parriott
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Director of External Affairs and Public Policy
202-328-2010 x120
A Reference Guide for How to Advocate for Science
Action Alerts prompt rapid, grassroots-level actions on the part of the AAS membership to create a truly positive result in Congress or in other areas of government. We issue Action Alerts to notify you of timely opportunities to contact policymakers.
The mission of the AAS Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy is to support and develop policies that advance the astronomical sciences in the United States.
The Public Policy team at the American Astronomical Society wants to empower the membership to advocate for their own science.
Here we will include information, or links to information, that may be helpful on your advocacy journey.
Refer to the Policy Resources page for information about the role of the federal government in the astronomical sciences, specific relevant policies, and more.
Applications Now Open for Congressional Visits Day 2026
Be an advocate for science and astronomy. Sign up now for Congressional Visits Day (CVD) on 13 - 15 April 2026. The deadline to sign up is 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, 1 February 2026.
Why Should You Advocate for Your Science?
Whether you want to be convinced or you're looking for some information to help convince your peers, this page is meant to provide some explanation about why we think you should advocate for your science.
Suggested Advocacy Actions
There are many ways to make your voice heard in support of scientific funding and programs. The sections below offer some practical actions you can take to connect with policy makers and influence decisions in Congress.
A Reference Guide for How to Advocate for Science
So, you're convinced that you should advocate for your science; now what? This page will help you effectively communicate with Congress.
Congressional Leave-Behinds
This page includes three versions of the current congressional leave-behinds. An archive of past versions can be found here.
Action Alerts
Action alerts are rapid, grassroots-level actions on the part of the AAS membership to create a truly positive result in Congress or in other areas of government. We issue action alerts to notify you of timely opportunities to contact policymakers.