On October 23, 2025, the American Political Science Association (APSA) organized a teaching webinar titled “Guiding Principles for Advocating for Political Science,” centered upon conveying strategies and best practices for how APSA’s members can be effective advocates for political science research and education. Moderated by Ben Goodrich (Associate Director of Government Relations & Public Engagement, APSA), the webinar featured a presentation from folks at the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA), including Wendy Naus (Executive Director, COSSA) and Kenzie Shelstad (Government Relations Associate, COSSA). The presenters discussed a variety of advocacy strategies, including what works and what doesn’t work when participating in advocacy, how to craft an effective message to policymakers, how to identify which issues to advocate, and how to get started in the field of advocacy if you have limited experience.

Naus began the presentation with a brief introduction dispelling common misconceptions and myths about advocating with policymakers, including the myths that normal individuals are not allowed to advocate, that advocacy undermines scientific findings, or that you must be an expert on the legislative process to be an effective advocate. Her presentation included some examples of effective advocacy strategies, such as crafting a message that is tailored to the desired audience, making appeals to the local impact to that policymaker’s constituents, or developing a long-term relationship fostered over time, compared to less effective or limited kinds of advocacy, such as sending a message through automatically-generated email forms or engaging in a single meeting or phone call with a policymaker. Naus further provided specific examples of each kind of advocacy messages, including effective templates to call or email policymakers, hold in-person meetings, attend town halls, or participate in organized advocacy events on Capitol Hill known as “advocacy days.”

Following the presentation, Ben Goodrich moderated a Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions to Wendy Naus and Kenzie Shelstad. Before closing out the program, Goodrich provided a brief overview about APSA’s Advocacy Program and highlighted opportunities for members to get more involved in advocacy. The recording of the webinar is posted publicly on the APSA website. ■