Get Involved in Advocacy
Contact your city, local, state, and federal legislators to help push for political and policy changes that support women in STEM.
AWIS Members from DC, Maryland, Massachusetts,
and Texas, join AWIS CEO Meredith Gibson to advocate
for legislation that advances diversity in STEM.
We need your support
Help AWIS secure and expand funding for scientific research and preserve equitable access to STEM.
- Read and share stories from AWIS members on how they have been impacted by recent policy actions.
- Contact your elected representatives. They always want to hear from their constituents in order to be able to better serve them.
- Download our advocacy handbook for tips and scripts on reaching out to your representatives.
There are many ways to get involved
There are many ways for you or your local chapter to advocate for women in STEM and any other issues you care about.
- Attend an AWIS Advocacy Day in Washington, DC.
- Meet locally with your city and state legislators or U.S. congressional representatives.
- Show up to meetings, hearings, and town halls to speak up on issues you care about.
- Send an email or letter to your elected official.
- Call your elected official’s office.
- Write a letter to your local news outlets.
- Start a petition.
- Use social media to share information with others.
- Send thank you notes to elected officials who introduce or pass legislation you support.
- Volunteer with an organization that works on the issues you care about.
IMPORTANT! Please do not use the AWIS name or acronym with messages or other communications that are not directly tied to the official policy statements and mission of AWIS.
Make your voice heard
AWIS is here to support you every step of the way!
Find a local rally and Stand Up for Science.
Download and read the AWIS Advocacy Toolkit.
Watch our advocacy webinars, led by seasoned AWIS advocates.
Give us feedback
AWIS has been working on crafting these resources for our members and we want to hear from you. Is this what you want from National? Which resources were the most useful? Where should we expand?
Step One
Public Policy and Advocacy at the Local Level
Advocacy for Scientists: Five Tips for Sustained Action
Scientists are the experts that scientists rely on for shaping policy. Combining expertise and personal narrative with sustained action, you can be a powerful force for change. Use these five tips as guidance to get started.
Step Two
Advocacy from Home or Office
Resources to help you find, research, and contact your local representatives
- Call script and letter writing template
- Legislative representative lookup tool
- Legislation tracking tools
Step Three
Take your Messaging to the Next Level
We know that some AWIS chapters are ready to merge their STEM and advocacy. Find out tips and tricks to take your advocacy to the next level.
- AWIS Talking Points
- Draft your own talking points for causes you are working towards
Step Four
Tips and Tricks and Promising Practices
Explore the best practices for effective outreach
- General tips and tricks
- Making phone calls
- Holding face-to-face meetings
- Writing emails or letter