Early bird registration is now open! Participants who sign up by January 31 receive over 20% off the full registration fee.

Join COSSA on March 30-31, 2020 to be part of the only annual, coordinated advocacy day in support of all of the social and behavioral sciences. Social Science Advocacy Day brings together social scientists and other science advocates from across the country to engage with policymakers in Washington, DC.

COSSA makes it easy to connect with your Congressional representatives.

The two-day event includes in-depth training and logistical support (including scheduling meetings with Congressional offices and providing an on-call expert to answer your day-of policy questions), as well as polished, up-to-date materials to help you bring your message to Capitol Hill. We’ll team you up with other advocates from your area and partner your group with an experienced government relations professional who will guide you through your meetings with members of Congress and their staff.

Here’s what last year’s participants had to say:

“I absolutely want to participate again! It is fantastic to do something so important for social sciences.”

“I feel like this event is an important form of service to our community of social scientists and also gives me great insights into the federal agency appropriations landscape.”

“This experience has helped to reinforce to me that personal conversation with our Congressman go far in helping them appreciate the kinds and value of social science research.”

This event is open only to individuals affiliated with a COSSA member organization. If you are a member of or employed by one of COSSA’s organizations, you are eligible to participate. Click here to learn more about how your organization can become a member of COSSA and take advantage of our members-only opportunities.

Preliminary Schedule

Monday, March 30, 2020 | Spire Conference Center, 750 1st St NE
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm Registration
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Keynote/Kickoff Speaker & Advocacy Training
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Celebration of Social Science Rooftop Reception

Tuesday, March 31, 2020
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am – 10:00 am Final Preparation for Capitol Hill Meetings
10:00 am – 5:00 pm Congressional Meetings

Hotel Information

We are pleased to offer Advocacy Day participants a special block rate of $276 per night for the nights of March 29-31 at the Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol (1225 First Street, NE), a nine-minute walk from our Advocacy Day training location and home base. Use this link when booking or book by phone using the group code C3 or Consortium of Social Science Associations.

Sponsor Advocacy Day

Sponsors help COSSA to defray the costs of our Advocacy Day, while providing organizations with additional visibility among colleagues in the social and behavioral science and higher education communities. COSSA is offering a variety of sponsorship packages this year, including the ability to get up to two free Advocacy Day registrations as well as the option to sponsor specific items and events, such as a our evening reception or our popular “I ❤ Social Science” giveaways. Check out our 2020 sponsorship opportunities here.