🚀 go-pugleaf

Below is an announcement about the APS Congressional Visit program
which I am forwarding from Francis Slakey.   

I am planning to try to set up a visit with Rep. Pete Stark, a
Democrat who represents (I think) Hayward, Fremont, San Leandro, and
part of Oakland.  If you a US citizen who lives or works in Stark's
district (sorry, but this is politics!)  and are interested in
participating, please contact me by email.  Grad students, undergrad
students, industrial scientists, faculty, and whoever else is welcome
to come along.

I have no authorization from APS to organize this visit; I just know
that someone has to take the initiative.


&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
March 23, 1995

TO:        APS Member
FROM:  Mary Schumacher, from the office of Francis Slakey
	  E-mail: opa@aps.org
	  Phone:202-662-8718
RE:         Congressional Visit Program

APS is encouraging its members to visit their member of Congress this
April.  The Congressional Visit Program (CVP) is being organized in
conjunction with the April APS meeting here in DC, although several
groups are organizing visits within their home districts as well.  Perhaps
you are familiar with CVP?  Participated in recent years?

We are hoping that you and your colleagues will help build strong
support for federal funding of science among the 535 members of
Congress.  Budgets are tight and Congress is looking for savings, it's
crucial they recognize the role that science plays in preserving the
long-term health of the nation.  As a constituent, you can help build this
awareness.

Would you be interested in participating this year?  I would be interested
in hearing from you (see above for E-mail address and phone).

If you are interested the first thing you may want to do is talk with your
colleagues to see if they would like to participate with you.  Then, call
your rep to set up a 15-30 minute appointment.  If you contact me I can
provide with you with telephone numbers, the names of key staffers,
etc. We can also discuss which reps in your area are sitting on key
committees.

As a means of support, the Physics Planning Committee of the APS is
currently preparing "issue sheets" for your use.  When you visit your
rep, it is a good idea to have one or two main points to make.  The issue
sheets will give you background and thoughtful analysis regarding the
most current science-related issues.  I think you will find them invaluable.

We are also attempting to create district-specific reports that will indicate
federal science dollars allocated.  

If you are interested and plan to attend the April meeting of the
APS in DC:
*  You should know that Congress will be at recess.  The APS office is
trying to identify "key" staff personnel within the offices of the members
of Congress.  Developing a relationship with a key staffer can be
invaluable.  The opportunity for ongoing communication is more likely with
a staffer, often, than with a rep.

* There will be a special session at 8 a.m. on Wednesday April 19 for
CVP participants.  Make note of it!

* You will receive a packet at registration with materials regarding your
reps, the key issues, tips on how to communicate with Congress, etc.

If you are interested but not coming to DC:
* Consider scheduling a visit with you rep in your home district, possibly
even at your organization or institution.  You rep may be in your area at
that time as Congress will be at recess.

If you plan to get in touch with me by E-mail, would you consider
the following questions: Are you interested in participating? 
With who?  In DC or at home?  Who will you see?  Do you need
information regarding your reps?  Did you find CVP a positive
experience in the past?  Who did you see?  Any suggestions?


-- 
Alison Chaiken					alison@wsrcc.com
(510) 422-7129 [daytime]			<http://www.wsrcc.com/>
Our annual research budget=250K;US population=250M;Only 0.1 cents/citizen*year!