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AWG E-MAIL NEWS 2006-04
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CONTENTS
1)	AWG OFFERS TRAVEL FUNDING TO VISIT US CONGRESS		
2)	CONTACT INFORMATION

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Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of E-mail News
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1)	AWG OFFERS TRAVEL FUNDING TO VISIT US CONGRESS

Applications are due this Friday, February 10th!

For the first time ever, AWG Foundation will provide funding for AWG 
members
to attend Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC.  Participants 
will
join hundreds of scientists descending upon Congress to underscore the
importance of science and technology to the Nation and deliver a 
message of
support for federal funding of scientific endeavors.  

This year's event will take place on March 28-29, 2006. On March 28, 
the
American Association for the Advancement of Science will brief the 
visiting
scientists on how Congress works, the Federal R&D budget process, and 
how to
conduct their visits with members of Congress.  Comprehensive 
information
packets will be provided.  A reception will follow the briefing.  On 
March
29, the scientists will fan out to their respective Congressional
delegations and deliver their messages. 
 
AWG is one of many scientific organizations and individuals to 
participate
in Congressional Visits Day.  But among the participating groups, AWG 
will
be the only one to bring the unique issues of women geoscientists to 
the
attention of Congress.

AWG's specific goals in sponsoring member travel to Congressional 
Visits Day
are to:
(1) Deliver a unified message from AWG to the US Congress regarding the
needs of women in the geosciences;
(2) Educate and involve AWG members in federal policymaking;
(3) Establish long-term relationships between AWG members and their 
members
of Congress;
(4) Establish AWG as an important voice in Congress, and as an 
informational
resource for Congressional staff; and
(5) Increase AWG's visibility in government and with other professional
scientific organizations.

(The goal is NOT to lobby Congress for specific legislation.  
Participants
may not discuss current or future legislation with members of Congress 
or
their aids.)

Congressional Visits Day provides a terrific opportunity for anyone 
who's
remotely interested in the public policy process, and is sure to have 
an
impact in Congress.  This very well-organized annual event is a perfect
introduction to policy making for scientists, and can lead to positive,
long-term working relationships with Congressional staff, who lack the
expertise needed to understand science-based issues.

AWGF will provide up to $1,040 cover travel and accommodations for AWG
members to participate in Congressional Visits Day.  Due to the limited
amount of funding, it is envisioned that two AWG members - one from the 
east
coast with relatively easy access to Washington, DC, and one from 
another
part of the country - will be selected.  However, depending upon the 
level
of interest and the ability of interested members to raise additional 
funds,
any number of AWG members could participate.  Participants will be 
expected
to share a hotel room, to cover a portion of their expenses (at a 
minimum,
meals and incidentals), and to contribute to a Gaea article describing 
the
experience. Priority may be given to members who reside in 
Congressional
districts represented by female Senators or Representatives who have
leadership roles in Committees that address the status of women in the
geosciences. 

If you would like to attend Congressional Visits Day 2006, please send 
an
email to Eloise Kendy and Laurie Schueing (ek65@cornell.edu,
lscheuing@qeallc.com) by February 10 explaining your interest.  Please
include a rough estimate of your travel costs; your contact 
information,
including daytime, evening, and weekend (Feb. 11-12) phone numbers; and 
the
names of your Senators and Representative, the committees on which they
serve, and their relevance to the AWG mission.    

For further information on Congressional Visits Day, visit
http://www.aas.org/policy/cvd/.  
	
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2)	CONTACT INFORMATION
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