Geo-CVD (Geosicences Congressional Visits Day) is happening over the next two days, First of all, Geo-CVD is a great opportunity for geoscientists to meet with their legislators in Washington, D.C.  Here is information on it from AGI, the American Geophysical Union, the Geological Society of America, and the Seismological Society of America. Participants are spending their first afternoon at a workshop honing their communication skills. They learn how Congress works, how to conduct congressional visits, and about relevant legislation, federal agencies, and programs. By the end of the workshop, participants are given time to craft and practice their message one-on-one with geoscience policy staff.

 A constructive visit from citizen geoscientists about the importance and value of geoscience, and geoscience-related engineering, research and education is the most effective way to inform and impact federal science policy!

The American Association of Petroleum Geology  (AAPG) shared a truly unique story with Geospectrum, which is that of a geoscientist (and former AAPG member) turned Colorado State Governor, John Hickenlooper, on coming to the table with different sectors and regulators; and working together to create a solution to a problem in the form of legislation. You can read the full story here.

As a former AGI Public Policy Intern, and I cannot stress what a tremendous experience it was to be involved with the legislative process. There are plenty of ways for geoscientists to get involved at all stages of their career. There are public policy internships available from AGI and AGU. The AGI internships are supported by AAPG and the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

There are also Congressional Science Fellowships for those more advanced in their academic or professional career from: AGI, AGU, GSA, SME, and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). 

Let us know how you've been involved by emailing geospectrum@americangeosciences.org and we may feature your experience on the blog!