SC 2 - Science Policy 101: Survival in and Dynamics of the Congressional Ecosystem

Sunday, August 14, 2022

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT

Location: 515C

Organizer(s)

EG

Emilie Graves

PhD Candidate
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), United States

Co-organizer(s)

CL

Charlotte Levy

American Association for the Advancement of Science
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
CR

Caroline Ridley

Senior Ecologist
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, United States
SA

Sarah M. Anderson

University of California Santa Barbara, United States
NZ

Nicole Zimmerman

Public Affairs Manager
ESA
Washington, United States

Session Description: Congress is an ecosystem unto itself with different communities on each side of the Hill (Senate and House of Representatives), different populations within those communities, odd mutualistic relationships, and competition (for votes) to avoid extinction (losing reelection). This short course will provide an overview of how Congress works and how to frame a message for different members of Congress. Workshop participants will use their own research and the tips learned during the morning to compose a 1-minute pitch for a member of Congress. As we craft talking points and pitches together, we will also walk through resources for uncovering what your member of Congress cares about, how to connect with her/him/them, start a conversation to share a message as a constituent, and build a relationship. Afterward, you will be invited to submit your 1-minute pitch to our ESA Policy Pitch Contest on YouTube for a chance to win a prize!