APSA Advocacy Programs & Opportunities

The American Political Science Association (APSA) Advocacy Program advances the discipline of political science by educating policy makers and the citizenry about political science scholarship and education. APSA seeks to increase federal support for basic and applied political science research, to promote independent peer review, and to advocate for academic freedom.

APSA’s advocacy activities address funding priorities across the discipline. APSA also advocates on behalf of political scientists and political science departments through letters, statements, and direct advocacy. To inquire about the possibility of APSA performing advocacy on your behalf, please submit information about your situation to advocacy@apsanet.org.

• Read APSA’s letters and public statements. 
• Read community and advocacy letters APSA has signed.

Guiding Principles for Advocating for Political Science | October 23, 2025 | Watch here

On October 23, 2025, APSA organized a teaching webinar titled “Guiding Principles for Advocating for Political Science.” The webinar, which featured a presentation from Executive Director of the Consortium of Social Science Associations’ (COSSA) Wendy Naus, centered upon teaching strategies for how APSA’s members can be effective advocates for research and education in support of the discipline of political science, dispelling common misconceptions about advocacy, and demystifying the process of communicating with legislators and other decision-makers. Following the presentation, APSA’s Associate Director of Government Relations & Public Engagement Ben Goodrich moderated a Q&A session and provided a brief overview about APSA’s Advocacy Program and opportunities for members to get more involved in advocacy.

APSA is pleased to provide travel grants to members for attendance at annual advocacy days in Washington, DC!

Each year, advocacy organizations such as the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) and National Humanities Alliance (NHA) host advocacy events that address conditions for federal funding in the social sciences and humanities, provide advocacy training, and feature meetings with congressional staffers on Capitol Hill. These organizations’ advocacy days are opportunities for APSA members to learn how to effectively advocate for political science at home and in the nation’s capital and to educate congressional representatives and staff about the need for robust federal funding for political science research and education.

The APSA is a member of several advocacy coalitions and partnerships including the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA), the National Humanities Alliance (NHA), the Coalition for International Education (CIE), the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF), and the CivXNow Coalition. APSA Members are invited to participate in advocacy through our partner organizations, linked below. Members may also contact APSA at advocacy@apsanet.org to learn more about how to be an advocate for political science.

Learn more about federal funding for political science at the below federal agencies and programs.