ASTC champions public engagement in science and elevates the work of our science and technology center and museum and allied members. While much of our public policy and legislative work is focused on the United States, we collaborate internationally with regional and national science center networks to create advocacy resources that are relevant for all of our members.
What We Do
ASTC works to increase support for science and technology centers and museums with U.S. Federal agencies and other national partners and funders. Specifically, we advocate for policies, resources, partnerships, and other actions that advance the work of our members and their ability to serve their missions and their communities.
ASTC also offers tools and resources that our members can use to make the case for their work at the state and local levels with policymakers, community partners, and other stakeholders. We provide opportunities for our members to engage with and learn from each other through webinars, online discussions, and conference sessions.
In 2020, ASTC is helping our members respond to the COVID-19 crisis and advocating for our community to be included in relief and recovery efforts. Throughout the year, we will continue to develop advocacy resources and provide learning opportunities to grow the capacity of ASTC members to communicate the impact of their institution and make the case for support.
Our Resources
- Blog – View posts about our latest policy actions, new research for making the case, and advocacy stories from your colleagues.
- COVID-19 Relief Advocacy – The latest Federal policy developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and talking points to communicate the impact on our field.
- Connecting with Congress – Tips for outreach to Members of Congress.
- U.S. Federal Agencies – A guide to current funding programs and future opportunities with agencies such as NASA, NIH, NOAA, NSF, and more.
- Museums Advocacy Day – Learn more about this annual event in Washington, DC, led by the American Alliance of Museums.
- Community of Practice – Join ASTC’s Advocacy and Public Policy Community of Practice to share strategies, successes, and challenges with your peers.
- ASTC’s Recent Advocacy Actions – An archive of letters, statements, and testimony sent the U.S. Congress and other decision-making bodies.
How We Work
The ASTC team works to understand the needs of our members and the impact they have on their communities, keep our community informed on the ways they can help shape policy, maintain relationships with U.S. Federal agencies, and develop advocacy and communications tools that you can use to make the case to your stakeholders.
Our work is guided by ASTC’s Public Policy Principles and informed by ASTC’s Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee, an ad-hoc committee of our members. ASTC works collaboratively with a range of partners, including other national museum associations and scientific societies, such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Research!America, and more. We also pursue collective advocacy through membership in several coalitions including the Coalition for National Science Funding, the STEM Education Coalition, and the Afterschool STEM Hub.
Contact Us
Your feedback helps ASTC create useful resources and respond to emerging advocacy opportunities. Reach out and let us know how we can help.
- Melissa Ballard, Senior Manager of Public Policy and Advocacy
- Adam Fagen, Director of Communications and Advocacy