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Congressional Visits and the Power of a Good “Ask”

Geologists like to follow the clues, state, or the research happening on the topic in your state;
collecting evidence to reconstruct past • Circulate a “Dear Colleague” letter sharing the scientific com-
histories. We use facts to decide what munity’s view of climate change and the role of humans; and
questions to answer and what sort of • Speak out when policymakers state a view that is inconsistent
information still needs to be uncovered. with scientific consensus on climate change.
Geoscientists are great stewards for the
planet—considering the problem-solving Tailoring an Ask
we do every day, we are also a valuable The ask should be as specific as possible—avoid generalities
resource to representatives as they make and open-ended tasks. Although following the latest scientific
Sarah Derouin important policy decisions. research on climate change might seem like an obvious choice to
GSA Science Throughout the year, scientific organi- you, this request is too vague and too big. Representatives, and
Communication Fellow
zations like the Geological Society of the staff who support them, juggle a long list of to-dos, and
America sponsor Congressional Visits Days, matching scientists expecting a non-scientifically trained staffer to scour through
with congressional representatives. During these visits, small the literature is unrealistic.
groups of scientists meet with staffers to talk about issues facing Instead, dig into the details. For example, if you know a bill
their districts, the country, and even the entire planet. The goal is being sponsored to address coastal erosion, and you are a
of these meetings is to foster trusted relationships with the rep- coastal geomorphologist, offer up your expertise as they navi-
resentative’s staff through a face-to-face conversation while gate through the policy language. If your laboratory is making
building awareness of scientific issues. exciting strides in solar battery life expectancy, invite your
This spring, I attended Climate Science Day (CSD) in representative to the lab to see the scientific strides you are
Washington, D.C., representing GSA. The goal of CSD was to making and highlight any business interests your research
emphasize the importance of incorporating the scientific com- has created.
munity’s consensus on climate science into policy discussions Once you present the ask, try to connect it to issues near and
and decisions. dear to the representative’s heart. Before the congressional visit,
An important part of that discussion is to spur your represen- look up the representative online and get a feel for their passions—
tative to action on science policy, all by leveraging an important are they an advocate for health care? Perhaps you can connect
technique: the “ask.” climate science to health concerns in the district, mentioning
new research linking climate change to cardiopulmonary dis-
What Is an Ask? tress (https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/
During a congressional visit, the most important message for climate-change-and-health) during your meeting.
your representative is the ask. An ask is something that you Tailoring your ask to their interests and creating a personal-
would like them to do—a call to action. A topic as big as tack- ized message will stick with the staffer long after your meeting
ling climate change can be overwhelming, but breaking down is done.
the issue into smaller pieces is an effective approach for moving
science further into policy decisions. Representatives appreciate The Impact of an Ask
a concrete task to work toward, and it is your job to help them A 2016 survey (http://www.congressfoundation.org/storage/
understand what is needed. documents/CMF_Pubs/cmf-citizen-centric-advocacy.pdf)
Our goal for CSD was to remind representatives that climate showed that only 11% of voters thought that representatives
science can be used for bipartisan decision making. The ask, or listen to them, and I have to say that I was one of the cynical
how they could implement this goal, could include: majority. But it turns out that 94% of congressional staff said
• Contact scientists with questions on climate science and other “in-person issue visits from constituents” influence representa-
issues; tives on undecided issues.
• Visit a research institution and/or field site;
• Host discussions with scientists and community leaders about I came away from my congressional visit feeling inspired and
the impacts of a changing climate in your state/district; motivated to continue reaching out to my representatives. My
• Bring climate science to relevant policy discussions, such as experience at CSD was extremely positive and revealed that
infrastructure, hazards, coasts, and agriculture; scientists’ voices are a valuable resource on policy issues—
• Hold hearings that are interdisciplinary, explore groundbreaking we just need to show up.
impacts, or garner bipartisan support;
• Make a floor speech regarding the scientific community’s To be a part of the science policy process, apply to be a
understanding of the changing climate and the influence of representative for this fall’s GEO–Congressional Visits Day:
humans, the impacts of a changing climate on your district/ www.geosociety.org/geocvd.

52 GSA Today | July 2019