The American Political Science Association (APSA) is at the forefront of advocating for the discipline of political science. Through its Advocacy ProgramAPSA aims to educate policymakers and the public about the importance of political science scholarship and education. This initiative seeks to secure federal support for both basic and applied research, promote independent peer review, and uphold academic freedom.
APSA’s advocacy efforts are multifaceted, addressing funding priorities across the discipline. The association also represents political scientists and departments through letters, statements, and direct advocacy. For those seeking advocacy support, APSA encourages submitting details about specific situations to advocacy@.
Educational Webinars and Training
On October 23, 2026, APSA hosted a webinar titled “Guiding Principles for Advocating for Political Science.” The session featured Wendy Naus, Executive Director of the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA), who provided insights on effective advocacy strategies. The webinar focused on dispelling common misconceptions about advocacy and offered practical advice on communicating with legislators and decision-makers.
Following the presentation, Ben Goodrich, APSA’s Associate Director of Government Relations & Public Engagement, moderated a Q&A session. He also provided an overview of APSA’s Advocacy Program and highlighted opportunities for members to get involved in advocacy efforts.
Advocacy Travel Grants
APSA offers travel grants to members for attending annual advocacy days in Washington, DC. These events, organized by groups like COSSA and the National Humanities Alliance (NHA), focus on federal funding for social sciences and humanities. They provide advocacy training and facilitate meetings with congressional staffers, offering APSA members a platform to advocate for political science research and education.
Members interested in applying for these travel grants can find more information and submit their applications through APSA’s dedicated portal.
Staying Informed and Engaged
APSA keeps its members informed about federal policy updates, events, and advocacy opportunities through its Advocacy Program. The program addresses research funding and academic freedom, providing resources for members to engage in action alerts and other at-home advocacy initiatives.
Members can opt-in to receive APSA Advocacy Updates, which offer the latest information on federal funding for political science at various agencies and programs. Additionally, APSA provides resources to help members advocate for state-level higher education funding and share their experiences with NSF or NEH funding.
For those looking to get more involved, APSA encourages signing up for action alerts from COSSA and NHA, joining their annual advocacy days, and utilizing resources from the CivXNow coalition. Members may also be eligible for discounts on registration for these events.
