Invited Symposium National Prevention Network: An Examination of How a Robust Federal Affairs Program in Washington D.C. Focused on Prevention Can Benefit Associations, Their Respective Members, Federal Agencies and the Field

The federal policy making process is certainly complex.  This is true for the arena governing research and science policy.  For organizations hoping to impact decisions made at the federal level, a distinct presence or voice in Washington D.C. is needed in order to ensure key stakeholders are aware of a particular organization’s expertise, concerns and recommendations.  This presence or voice is led by an organization’s staff-member but relies on the participation of a group’s actual members.  Initially, individual members of a particular Association may be hesitant to become involved as their participation may seem overwhelming or intimidating.  Yet their involvement is critical given their expertise and potential to help improve their own work by changes at the federal level.  This session will provide first-hand views of the benefits of a federal presence through the lens of (1) a member of a particular Association, (2) an Association staff-member focused on federal relation, and (3) a federal agency representative.  In turn, examples of tools and policy decisions will help illustrate these concepts for the audience.  Audience questions and participation will be encouraged.