At the CUR business meeting, our own Maria Iacullo Bird joined several others in a presentation on how to advocate for undergraduate research. Here is a synopsis of the recommendations to individuals.

1. Look over the resources CUR has assembled, especially the Advocacy Tool Kit developed in consultation with Washington Partners. This includes lots of useful contact information, including lists of Congressional committees. It also suggests talking points and other action items.
2. On your campus, identify the governmental affairs professionals and talk to them about how federal investments are important to your institution’s undergraduate research program.
3. Working with your governmental affairs office (or communications), invite representatives from local district offices to attend undergraduate research events on your campus. Consider writing an Op Ed piece for the local newspaper.
4. Answer CUR’s upcoming questionnaire about how federal program reductions might affect your research and your students’ research.