Our advocacy often is directed at gaining funding for the Federal agencies that support behavioral research. We also work on getting provisions and language into authorizing and other policy-oriented legislation that strengthens behavioral research. Sometimes our advocacy efforts are aimed at defeating legislation that would harm science or teaching. The Federation comments on proposed regulations to make clear how such regulations might affect the scientists we represent. When opportunities arise in the government for researchers to fill important job slots or advisory positions, the Federation often suggests individuals who would be appropriate to fill these positions, or advertises the position to encourage members of our scientific community to apply.
Advocacy sometimes extends beyond the government to the news media.
The Federation responds, when appropriate, to slanted, distorted, or well balanced stories about research, researchers or events related to research. Our educational efforts are an attempt to ensure that the Federal government will always have a cohort of policy makers who understand and value behavioral research. Our goal is to educate those who will be in their positions for only a short time and those who spend many years in key positions. Our informational activities are directed at our own scientists. We strive to communicate to scientists in a timely manner those developments in legislation, regulation, and funding that are likely to have immediate impact on research or teaching.