Advocacy Training Program

The 2024 ATP application is closed.

The ASBMB Advocacy Training program is a three-month externship (May through August) that provides hands-on science policy and advocacy training for ASBMB members. ATP delegates learn about science advocacy, the role of Congress and policymakers in funding science, and how to effectively advocate. With support from ASBMB public affairs staff, delegate will develop and execute their own independent advocacy activity to address an issue affecting the research enterprise and/or their communities.

Participants (called delegates) gain the necessary skills to create change and be a leader for those seeking to do the same. They learn alongside a cohort of their peers who are dedicated to doing the same type of work and access unique networking opportunities. They also learn the importance of policy writing and how to communicate scientific issues to congressional staffers and other diverse audiences.

Goal of the ATP

The ATP aims to (1) provide professional development for our members (2) expand BMB advocacy efforts and (3) increase the connection points between ASBMB members and the public affairs department to spur new advocacy efforts that are relevant to members.

What to expect as an ATP delegate

The program requires about 10 to 12 hours a month for coursework, discussions and activities.

Each delegate attends weekly virtual training sessions (1.5 hours long each), completes applied learning assignments and develops their independent advocacy activity. The syllabus includes the following sessions:

Section One: Science policy, advocacy and the federal government

• Session 1 — What is science policy?
• Session 2 — The executive branch and federal agencies.
• Session 3 — Congressional advocacy, agency authorization and the budget process.
• Session 4 — State and local advocacy and engaging community stakeholders.

Section Two: Science policy strategy

• Session 5 — Science policy writing
• Session 6 — Applying policy writing in advocacy
• Session 7 — Diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in advocacy
• Session 8 — Constructing your advocacy message

Section Three: Advocating before, during and after

• Session 9 — Elevator pitch practice
• Session 10 — Exploring science policy careers panel
• Session 11 — ATP showcase

What ATP delegates gain

ATP delegates gain not only advocacy skills but also produce their own policy materials and access unique opportunities. Each delegate:

• Conducts an advocacy activity that matches their interests.
• Speaks with congressional policymakers about relevant science policy topics
• Writes a policy op-ed.
• Attends an exclusive career panel of science policy professionals.
• Gets a chance to be invited to the ASBMB Public Affairs Advisory Committee as a nonvoting member (two-year term).
• Gets the opportunity to present advocacy activities at the next ASBMB annual meeting, Discover BMB.

Any questions can be directed to publicaffairs@asbmb.org.