SC 12 - How to Engage with Policymakers: Science Policy Training for Outreach at the State and Federal Level

Session Description: Across the field of ecology scientists have opportunities to engage in the two primary forms of science policy. These include science for policymakers, i.e. providing ecological knowledge to a legislator, and policy for scientists, i.e. informing regulations that structure ecological research. To successfully engage in these forms of science policy practitioners must be versed in the structure of the US state and federal governments, the mechanisms through which these entities enact change, and the ability to communicate to individuals with very different backgrounds and priorities. This course will provide participants with a broad overview of how the US federal and state governments are structured, how the legislators and appointed officials that make up these communities interact with each other and the public, and how to effectively communicate and engage with the policy world. Workshop leaders will provide examples of how to create policy outputs (policy memos, op-Ed’s, and office visit handouts) for legislators as we review these topics. Throughout the course participants will complete activities to learn about their state government, local elected officials, and learn to identify agencies relevant to their research. By the end of the workshop participants will have used this knowledge to craft a 1-minute policy pitch to begin engaging with policymakers about their research or interests. To conclude the course participants will hear about further training opportunities and have the chance to submit their 1-minute pitch to our ESA Policy Pitch Contest on YouTube for a chance to win a prize!