On Capitol Hill Day, Members Acted as Scientist-Citizens (and You Can, too!)

Thank you to the more than 50 members who joined us earlier this month for the second annual GSA Capitol Hill Day. Together, we held 77 separate meetings with the offices of senators and representatives from across 20 states to talk about the importance of federally funded aging research and programs.

This type of advocacy is an excellent example of what it means to be a scientist-citizen. This is a term GSA has adopted to embody what this country needs at this point in our history: scholars, researchers, clinicians, and educators committed to proactive public engagement that improves understanding of science and policies that support all of us as we age. And GSA members are ideally suited to step into this role.

If you’re on LinkedIn, I invite you to share GSA’s video from Capitol Hill Day, where I talk about the scientist-citizen ideal at a time when science is being challenged on many fronts.

The April issue of Gerontology News will include more reporting on Capitol Hill Day’s activities, including testimonials from some of the people who participated. Being an in-person advocate in the seat of the nation’s power can appear to be intimidating at first. But with GSA’s support and on-site preparation, our members found it to be an accessible, rewarding experience.

If you’re considering joining us next year, rest assured that GSA takes care of all the details that could be stressful – we schedule the meetings for you, provide you with all the talking points and training, and team you up with other members so you’re never on your own. That leaves you to focus on what you do best: talking about the importance of your work.

That’s what being a scientist-citizen is about. A scientist-citizen extends their expertise from the lab, clinic, or classroom into everyday conversations with family, friends, neighbors, community groups, and elected leaders. You are better equipped to change perceptions and build trust than you may think. Visit our website to take advantage of the resources GSA has to cultivate your scientist-citizen skills!