1st Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits Week

American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS)
1444 I (Eye) Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 628-1500
http://www.aibs.org/

For Immediate Release: 8 July 2009

Contacts: Robert Gropp, rgropp@aibs.org
Director, AIBS Public Policy Office

Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits Week will be August 17-21, 2009

Washington, DC. The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is pleased to announce a new opportunity for scientists to influence public policy. This August, AIBS with the support of Event Sponsors — Sevilleta Field Station, Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry - North America, and the Natural Science Collections Alliance - will launch the 1st Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits Week.

Each August, Representatives and Senators spend time in their Congressional districts and home states. This is an outstanding opportunity for individuals to meet with members of Congress and to share the value of their research with the individuals responsible for casting the votes that shape the nation’s science policy. This nationwide event allows scientists to meet with their elected officials in their own district rather than in Washington, DC, and enables elected officials to learn first-hand about the science and research facilities in their district.

Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits Week will be August 17-21, 2009. During this week, participating scientists and research facilities (e.g., field stations, natural science collections) will meet with their members of Congress to show them first-hand the importance of sustained federal investments in biological science research and education. Participating scientists will either set-up meetings with their elected officials at their district office or may invite them to visit a research facility, laboratory, or classroom to experience first-hand how science is done and taught.

The 1st Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits Week is an opportunity for scientists and graduate students, regardless of their policy experience, to meet with their members of Congress. Participants will be prepared for their Congressional meeting(s) by an interactive online training session that will help them create and refine their message. The AIBS Public Policy Office will also provide participating scientists with tips and guidance for scheduling meetings.

Participation is free, but registration is required and space is limited. The deadline for registering is August 5, 2009. If you would like to participate, please contact AIBS Public Policy Associate, Julie Palakovich Carr, at jpalakovichcarr@aibs.org or 202-628-1500 x 225, to provide your name, affiliation, contact information (mailing address), and how you heard about this event. If you plan on inviting your members of Congress to your research facility, please include the mailing address of your facility in your correspondence.

Organizations wishing to support this effort may still become a Sponsor or Supporter of the event. Please contact AIBS Director of Public Policy, Dr. Robert Gropp, at 202-628-1500 x 250 for additional information.