APS Advocacy Champions

The APS Advocacy Champions program supports APS members with exceptional advocacy potential in developing skills and building relationships with their elected officials.

Nominations

Nominations and self-nominations are now closed for the 2026-2027 cohort. Our next nomination period will begin in May 2027.

Goals

APS Advocacy Champions will advance the policy priorities of the physics community and APS by building meaningful and lasting relationships with members of Congress and their staff.

Together, we will:

  • Create community

    Create a committed community of of engaged advocates like you, who are active and eager to have an impact

  • Strengthen advocacy skills

    Provide you with in-depth training and opportunities to deepen your science policy understanding

  • Become thought partners

    Build direct relationships between you and APS Government Affairs staff for timely guidance and collaboration on advocacy

  • Increase confidence

    Increase your expertise and confidence in leading advocacy for the issues you care about

Time commitment

The time commitment for Advocacy Champions is expected to average about five hours per month.

Exclusive program features

Participating in this initiative will give you access to exclusive features to support you in your advocacy:

  • Our partnered advocacy allows you to have another APS member from your city or department be your partner in advocacy. You may nominate a partner to join the Advocacy Champions or if you wish, we can assist you in finding one. Colleagues, students, postdocs and more are welcomed!
  • A virtual policy and advocacy bootcamp with APS Government Affairs staff and experts will help you to develop key skill sets.
  • Drop-in and on-demand policy briefings from APS Government Affairs staff will keep you up to date on the latest in science policy.
  • Direct contact with policymakers’ offices will take place two-to-three times a year.

Issues we advocate on

Make your voice heard on vital science policy issues, including:

  • R&D funding
  • Climate change
  • The STEM education pipeline
  • International students and scientists
  • The domestic STEM workforce
  • And more!

Contact

Please reach out to the APS Member Advocacy and Mobilization Manager with any questions.

Related

Congressional visit on Capitol Hill

Develop an effective advocacy plan for a policy issue you want to take action on, including identifying relevant actors and allies.

A crowd of people wearing formal clothes looks up at the camera.

Preparation and purpose are both key to a successful meeting with a policymaker’s office.

APS leaders on Capitol Hill to advocate for science policy issues

Be a voice for science and advance the needs of the scientific community by meeting and communicating with your elected officials. APS provides training resources, data sheets, and other tips and advice to help you effectively advocate for science.

An APS member at Congressional Visits Day on Capitol Hill

APS upholds our commitment to providing an inclusive, professional home for the global physics community, which includes a thriving U.S. physics enterprise. Join us in speaking out for our community. Stand with us for science.

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