The ACS Office of Legislative and Government Affairs and local sections, through local section government affairs committees, partner to develop relationships with policymakers locally and in Washington, DC. Local section government affairs committees can arrange multiple types of programs to develop these types of relationships. Town hall meetings are an especially effective type of program.

ACS local sections are constantly looking for new and innovative ideas to spark the interest of their membership and encourage involvement within the section. Hosting a town hall meeting is an idea that has proven to be very successful for several reasons—to not only spark interest but also provide an open forum for members to voice their opinions and perhaps influence community or state elected officials in their decision making. What better way to educate local and state representatives on scientific matters?

A good example of a local section town hall meeting was sponsored by the University of Kansas Local Section along with the University of Kansas (KU) on U.S. competitiveness. This event, attended by more than 50 people, was keynoted by U.S. Representative Nancy Boyda (D-KS).

Rep. Boyda did not speak as an outsider to the science community. She holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry and worked as an analytical chemist and field inspector for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prior to holding managerial positions at several pharmaceutical companies.

Rep. Boyda spoke about the global pressures facing our nation and how we need to work together to restore America’s scientific leadership. She discussed the recent bills passed by the House of Representatives but argued that the work of Congress is not enough, saying, “Congress is only one partner in the fight for science. Other partners include universities like KU, as well as working scientists and members of the public. Everyone has a role to play.” In the end, Boyda challenged the audience to increase our nation’s appreciation for science.

The town hall meeting also included remarks from the president and CEO of the Kansas Technology Enterprise Commission, the vice provost for research and the University of Kansas Lawrence campus, and a KU chemistry graduate student. The local section concluded this great event with a reception and poster session that offered Boyda the opportunity to view the great science being done in her district by local section members. To learn how your local section can host a similar event, e-mail Brad Smith or call 1(800) 227-5558, ext. 4479.

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