“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
-- Margaret Mead
The American Society for Nutrition represents more than 3,400 individuals dedicated to nutrition research, education and patient care. Each and every member can play a valuable role in advancing the Society's public policy agenda, and we encourage your involvement.
Regular advocacy updates are communicated via the Society's monthly e-newsletter and the mid-month public policy newsletter. From time to time, ASN will issue legislative or “action” alerts on a pressing issue before Congress affecting nutrition science and research. These alerts will enable you to send a personal message to your Member of Congress and Senators. Make your voice heard in Washington by regularly participating in Action Alerts.
Action Steps That Can Make a Difference
At the 2008 ASN Scientific Sessions and Annual Meeting at Experimental Biology, the Honorable John Edward Porter, former member of Congress and Chair of Research!America, noted that the 2008 elections may be the most important for science and research. He challenged nutrition scientists to act outside their comfort zones and get involved THIS YEAR by taking the following actions:
- Familiarize yourself with your senators' and representative's positions on nutrition and science issues. As a constituent, it it your right to communicate regularly with them on issues of importance to you. Consider inviting them and their staff to visit your lab or clinical center to see how taxpayer dollars are spent in the state/district.
- Identify and recommend leading scientists for Administration positions. ASN will need your help with this. The White House Office of Science and Technology plays a significant role as it advises the President and Executive Office on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. Be prepared to recommend candidates for positions in this office when a new President is elected this fall.
- Continue to identify and recommend nutrition scientists to serve on National Academies of Science Committees and Advisory Boards.
- Be bipartisan
- Less than 3% of members of Congress have any science background. As an individual scientist and/or practitioner, decide which candidate you would like to support. Introduce yourself to the campaign and tell them you would like to advise the candidate on food and nutrition science issues. This is important not only with the candidates running for President, but also for those running for Congress and the state legislatures.
- Consider running for office yourself! Recently, physicist Dr. Bill Foster overcame significant political odds to win the seat of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert in the Illinois 14th congressional district.
Other actions you can take today with a click of the mouse:
- Join other science advocates in calling for a public debate in which the Presidential candidates share their views on issues such as the environment, medicine and health, and science and technology. Sign up at www.sciencedebate2008.com.
- Check out Research!America's Your Congress Your Health and Your Candidates Your Health to learn more about where your senators and representative, as well as the Presidential candidates, stand on important health and science issues.
- Explore FASEB's website, Today's Science Tomorrow's Cures, dedicated to raising awareness of research in this election year.
ASN's Public Policy Committee wants to hear from you. If you have an issue that you believe the Society should consider within its advocacy program or any questions, please contact Mary Lee Watts, Director of Public Affairs, at publicpolicy@nutrition.org.