governmental affairs committee (gac)


What is GAC?
The Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) is an active group of the Biophysical Society’s members interested in science public policy issues. Over the last decade, GAC members have traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Members of Congress, held district meetings with their respective Members of Congress, given Congressional Testimony, and written opinion pieces for local and national news outlets promoting science research. Currently, there are more than 600 GAC members. Members are regularly updated through e-mails about the latest activity in Washington, D.C. 

This is an exciting time to work in science. There are some revolutionary possibilities, but often elected officials are uninformed—or misinformed—about the potential advancements.  GAC members are regularly employed to help educate Members of Congress, the media, and the general public. 

 Your help is essential in continuing to reach our nation’s leaders. While the science may seem elementary, there are competing forces in the political arena willing to set science back 100 years. These groups have the resources, the volunteers and the funding to make real and lasting political changes. Don’t let America’s future reverse because the science community was silent.  Your voice is too important to go unheard. Join the Governmental Affairs Committee, take science to Capitol Hill and make a difference.

Sign up for GAC


ABCs of Advocacy
As the world shrinks and advocacy groups begin to adapt their message for specific audiences, elected officials find themselves inundated with special interests (biomedical research, education, transportation, agricultural, and countless others).  To reach Members of Congress, the messages you deliver have to be accurate, believable and clear (ABC). 

  • Accurate: The information presented to Members and their staff must be accurate.  Have sources readily available and be prepared to provide further information after the meeting.
  • Believable: Let the information sell itself; explain the possibilites, but do not exaggerate.  Credibility is essential.
  • Clear: Keep the science simply.  Remember, few outside the scientific community fully understand the language.  When advocating for biomedical research, connect your research to a disease, its causes and possible cures. 


Meeting Your Member of Congress
Face-to-face meetings are an effective way to deliver your message.  Here are some points to consider when arranging a meeting either in Washington, D.C. or in your home district.

  • Plan your visit carefully, know your message points;
  • Call, then write for an appointment;
  • Arrive early and expect to wait a few minutes before the meeting;
  • Bring materials (brochures, pamphlets, graphs) to leave behind;
  • Make a connection: brother-in-law worked on your campaign, our university’s physics department is the largest in the state, our work could help find a cure for;
  • Be responsive, offer to follow up after the meeting with more specific information about questions the Member of Congress has.
Telephone
The U.S. Capitol Switchboard phone is (202) 224-3121.  Ask to be connected to your Member’s office.  Remember, members of Congress usually do not answer their own telephones, ask to speak with the Congressional staffer who handles the issue (biomedical research, federal funding, NSF) about which you are calling. 
  • Identify yourself
  • Identify your issue (staffers often handle multiple issues that are unrelated, such as international affairs and health care)
  • Identify the legislation; S. 123 or H.R. 123
  • Explain why you support or oppose stated legislation
  • Ask to leave a message for your Representative
  • Ask for a written response to your call
Postal Service
The letter is the most popular choice of communication with Congressional offices. When you write a letter, here are some suggestions that will make the process a little easier.
  • State your purpose in the first paragraph.  If possible, include the specific piece of legislation (House bill: H.R. ___ or Senate bill: S.___);
  • Be polite, concise and provide key information, using example to support your position;
  • Address only one issue in each letter, and if possible, keep the letter one page.
      •  
      To a Senator:
      The Honorable (full name)
      United States Senate 
      Washington, D.C. 20510
       
        Dear Senator:


      To a Representative:
      The Honorable (full name)
      United States House of Representatives
      Washington, D.C. 20515
       

        Dear Representative:
When writing to the Speaker of the House or to the Chair of a Committee, it is proper to address each as:
 Dear Mr. Speaker:
 Dear Mr. Chairman Or Madam Chairwoman
Internet
The same guidelines apply as writing a letter to Congress. To find your Representatives use 

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/

http://www.house.gov

http://www.senate.gov

http://www.whitehouse.gov

Biophysical Society - 9650 Rockville Pike - Bethesda, Maryland 20814   Phone: 301.634.7114    Fax: 301.634.7133    society@biophysics.org