Geoscience Congressional Visits Days

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The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), in collaboration with other science societies, invites members of the geoscience community from across the nation to come to Washington, DC, for the annual Geoscience Congressional Visits Day (Geo-CVD) on September 10-11, 2019. Geo-CVD is a great opportunity for citizen scientists to gain exposure to the federal legislative process, and provide lawmakers with valuable information to inform policy decisions. This two-day event involves an in-person training workshop led by the organizing science societies to help prepare and educate participants on how to effectively communicate the importance of their work, followed by a full day of meetings with congressional offices on Capitol Hill. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in Geo-CVD through AGI, applicants must:

  • Be registered to vote in the United States
  • Be a current member of at least one of AGI’s 52 member societies
  • Fund their own travel and accommodations in Washington, DC
  • Provide a brief description of their interest and/or relevant experience in public policy

Applicants must also be able to:

  • Participate in a Geo-CVD webinar prior to their visit to Washington, DC (time and date TBD)
  • Attend the training workshop in Washington, DC, on September 10, 2019
  • Attend the congressional visits day in Washington, DC, on September 11, 2019

Please note, the application period for Geo-CVD 2019 will begin in late-June 2019.

For more information about Geo-CVD, please contact govt@americangeosciences.org. 

 

What To Expect

Day 1: On Tuesday, September 10, participants will spend the afternoon at a workshop geared toward honing their communication skills. Participants will learn/review the basics of how Congress functions, how to approach meetings with congressional staff, and what relevant legislation, federal agencies, and programs they should be aware of. At the end of the workshop, participants are given time to craft and practice their message one-on-one with experienced geoscience policy staff.

Day 2: On Wednesday, September 11, participants will spend the day on Capitol Hill meeting with congressional members and/or staff. These visits are arranged by the organizing society staff, who will also accompany groups of participants on the congressional office visits.

Find us on social media! #GEOCVD

... for previous years, search #GEOCVD2017 or #GEOCVD2016

Informational Materials

Online Tools

Helpful Webinars

Communicating with Congress 

Other Geoscience Policy Websites