COSSA works hard every day to communicate the importance of social and behavioral science research to policymakers. But ultimately, the most powerful stories come from people who can speak from experience about what it is like to apply for a federal grant, conduct research, or watch as their findings reach (or fail to reach) a broader audience.
In a survey conducted by the Congressional Management Foundation, 94 percent of Congressional staff said that constituent visits have “some” or “a lot” of influence on an undecided Member of Congress—more than any other strategy for communicating with Congress. And social and behavioral scientists are not just any constituents—they bring invaluable expertise on a wealth of important issues facing our nation.
Educating policymakers about social and behavioral science research—and its contributions to sound public policy—is especially important because these sciences are not always well understood on Capitol Hill or in some federal agencies.
To help you get started, review the crash course resources below designed to walk you through the basics of government. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, these courses can help you feel confident and prepared.
Course Library
What Is a Government Shutdown? 10/17/2025