Plan Policy Activities
There are a number of government relations program activities in which local sections can become involved. A brief synopsis of several popular activities follows. Assistance and detailed information about each activity is available from the Office of Public Affairs, 1-800-227-5558 ext. 4479.
- Add your lawmakers to your local section newsletter mailing list.
- Send a questionnaire to all candidates for an election, publish the replies
- Invite public officials to speak at a local section meeting.
- Ask a legislator or chair of the school board to present awards to students or teachers.
- Sponsor an award for public service.
- Hold a symposium on a public affairs topic.
- Go to legislators town hall meeting and ask chemistry related questions
- Join legislators distribution list to learn about Town Hall meetings and other open office hours
(Connect with Congress)
- Participate in video conference meeting with legislator
- Contact legislator to see if they have the capability (most do)
- Send invitations to all of your elected representatives to attend activities.
- Send elected officials a copy of any past publicity or recognition you have received regarding your NCW or other events.
- Invite legislators to tour your laboratory or workplace to showcase chemistry in their legislative districts. This activity is most effective if the tour takes place in a legislator’s district. Be sure to work with constituents to issue the invitation.
- Request a meeting with a legislator in his or her district office for the purpose of introducing the local section as a valuable resource for citizen commissions, technical expertise, or to identify important legislative initiatives identified by ACS. Again, this is an activity that is only effective if constituents issue the invitation and participate in the visit.
- Contact Congress Week is an ACS initiative to facilitate meetings between chemists and lawmakers. Congress has historically recessed around federal holidays, in August, during elections, and between the elections and mid-January. During these recesses, members of Congress may be available for meetings in their state/district offices. ACS members are encouraged to use these opportunities to meet with their legislators locally. Contact Congress Week is held annually in August to encourage and facilitate these meetings by providing biographical and legislative information on the federal lawmakers that represent you.