Guide to Public Advocacy

The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) has assembled this Guide to Public Advocacy for anyone interested in communicating the importance of biomedical research to elected officials, the press, and the general public. This crucial outreach, called public advocacy, is an effective tool for influencing policy and increasing general understanding of biomedical and neuroscience research.

The Guide provides tools, information, and tips for how to be an effective public advocate. It will help you advance the issues that are important to you—research funding, support for the responsible use of animals in research, and more.

SfN has created the instructions, but the most powerful tool is the realization that you can make a difference. With some effort and the appropriate know-how, your actions can have direct political implications.

The Guide outlines the most effective methods of communicating with your elected officials. Now it is up to you to actively engage in public advocacy on behalf of neuroscience.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Becoming an Advocate
• Calling your Legislator
• Writing to your Legislator
• Meeting with your Legislator
• Conducting Laboratory Tours
• Engaging the Media
• Involving the Public
• What is the Society for Neuroscience
• SfN's Legislative Priorities
• Neuroscience Resources
• Legislative Resources