Contributors: Marcel LaFlamme, Association of Research Libraries; Angelo Cusimano, CUNY; and Sarah Wang, American University

On March 24-25, 2025, over 70 social and behavioral science researchers, students, and advocates from 17 different states participated in Social Science Advocacy Day. This annual event brings together advocates from across the country to discuss with Members of Congress and their staff the importance of prioritizing funding for federal agencies and programs that support social and behavioral science research. Below are reflections from three advocates who participated: Sarah Wang, an undergraduate student at American University; Marcel LaFlamme, Director of Research Policy and Scholarship at the Association of Research Libraries; and Angelo Cusimano, Psychology PhD student at the Graduate Center, CUNY, and an adjunct professor at Baruch College, CUNY.

Tell us about your experience as part of COSSA’s Social Science Advocacy Day.

“I had the opportunity to participate in a powerful, hands-on experience supporting federal funding for the social sciences. Before heading to Capitol Hill, I received formal training that included detailed briefings on the current funding landscape for various federal agencies and key legislative priorities. Working alongside a team of advocates from my state and region, we collaborated on strategy, shared perspectives, and brainstormed how best to communicate the importance of social science research. Our full day on the Hill included scheduled meetings with congressional staff members—and in some cases, legislators themselves—where we discussed the value and impact of federally funded social science. We also had the chance to tour key DC government buildings to gain a deeper insight into how federal advocacy works. The entire agenda was thoughtfully organized, mirroring the structure of a professional lobbyist’s day, and the experience was a breeze, thanks to the team at COSSA.” — Angelo Cusimano

“I joined researchers from two Massachusetts universities on visits to five Congressional offices. It was my first time engaging in advocacy on Capitol Hill, so shuttling between buildings through the underground tunnels was brand new to me! In our meetings, I emphasized the value of the applied social science research funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for strengthening the entire research enterprise.” — Marcel LaFlamme

“I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in Advocacy Day. As not only an intern for COSSA, but also an interdisciplinary political science student and undergraduate research assistant focused on justice reform, the cause of social and behavioral science is deeply personal to me. It was such a privilege to have the chance to act as a voice for change—to share my own story and uplift those that too often go unheard. In a time marked by uncertainty and division, it was empowering to build community, train to harness our strengths as changemakers, and engage in civic participation. Proudly representing my home state of California, I had the joy of learning from accomplished researchers, scholars, and professors from across a range of disciplines and regions, all brought together by our shared commitment to knowledge and progress. This was my first time as an advocate, though after experiencing the impassioned and community-based environment COSSA fosters with its programming, I am confident it will not be my last.” — Sarah Wang

Why do you believe this advocacy work is important?

“To draw upon the political scientist in me, this kind of advocacy is fundamental to the democratic pillars our country was built on. While Congress is touted as the branch closest to the people, our voices and stories are frequently drowned out in the multifaceted issue stream faced by representatives. As a former Congressional intern, I’ve seen firsthand the chaos and pressure second nature to these offices. However, I’ve also seen the power of advocacy: when individuals take a seat at the table, shake hands, and speak to their lived experience. When we refuse to be reduced to numbers on a page or figures on a spreadsheet—and instead speak with conviction and passion—we help drive real progress. It’s imperative that we bring these issues to light, insist upon being heard, and uplift one another in solidarity. Diverse voices and expertise are the foundation of a truly representative government, one capable of crafting effective, equitable, and evidence-based policy, which is truly at the heart of events like Advocacy Day.” — Sarah Wang

“As a graduate student in anthropology, I was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and, later, a Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant. Those investments in me as an early-career researcher paved the way for the career I have today, and so I feel an obligation to help ensure that others have the same opportunities. I also see the risks to both research and innovation if we as a nation myopically focus on a few emerging technologies and fail to understand the social context of their development and adoption.” — Marcel LaFlamme

“I believe this advocacy work is essential because it gives researchers—especially graduate students like myself—agency and a voice in the decisions that directly impact our work, our futures, and the broader scientific community. In a time when budgetary cuts and federal funding freezes can leave researchers feeling powerless, Social Science Advocacy Day is a powerful reminder that we have a role to play in shaping science policy and the future of the social sciences. As a PhD student, this opportunity allowed me to reclaim that sense of autonomy, share my experiences, speak to the real-world disruptions caused by funding challenges, and advocate for why my research matters—not just to me but to society at large. Social science is central to our work as psychologists. It’s how we study and understand human behavior, how people think, act, relate, and exist within complex social systems. What better way to support our discipline than by speaking directly to the policymakers responsible for funding and shaping the future of our field? It’s not just about protecting science—it’s about advocating for our values, our communities, and the knowledge that drives meaningful change.” — Angelo Cusimano

What did you find most beneficial about your participation in Advocacy Day?

“The training provided by COSSA the day before our meetings on the Hill was excellent, offering up-to-the-minute insight on specific agencies as well as connecting the dots of a broader advocacy strategy.” — Marcel LaFlamme

“I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to build thoughtful, personal connections. It was such a wonderful experience to hear from and engage with so many experts across diverse fields and locations. Amidst a daunting time for someone starting out their career in research, I was heartened to gain so many supportive connections and inspired to learn how social and behavioral research has empowered so many individuals to follow their passions. Additionally, these advocacy meetings enabled me to get to know my state representatives better, and to begin to establish reciprocally beneficial relationships with staff. Advocacy Day brings together people from all walks of life and it truly reminded me of both the value of this work and the importance of human connection.” — Sarah Wang

“The chance to connect directly with my local representatives’ offices—particularly Representative Nydia Velázquez’s office, who represents my home district in Bushwick (New York’s 7th District). Being able to speak with staff members who represent my community and explain how federal funding directly impacts research at institutions like CUNY made the experience deeply personal and impactful. I also really valued the opportunity to build relationships with fellow scientists and advocates across New York State, including CUNY faculty and other researchers. These connections reminded me that I’m not alone in facing funding challenges—and that together, we can use our voices to advocate for the importance of our work.” — Angelo Cusimano

Did you learn anything new, helpful, or exciting from your participation?

“It was helpful to be reminded that meetings on the Hill are best approached not as an occasion to make a onetime ask, but as an opportunity to start building a relationship with staffers that can be nurtured over time.” — Marcel LaFlamme

“Absolutely—I walked away from COSSA’s Social Science Advocacy Day with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how the legislative process works. One of the most exciting and encouraging things I learned was that Congress genuinely values our perspective as researchers. Many of the congressional staffers we spoke with emphasized that they want to hear from scientists—especially those of us who can speak to the real-world impact of our research—and are actively looking for ways to incorporate evidence-based practices into policy. It was incredibly validating to realize that our insights aren’t just relevant—they’re necessary. As psychologists and social scientists, we have a unique understanding of human behavior, decision-making, and the social systems that policies aim to change. Being able to bridge that gap between science and policy is not only empowering, it’s also an essential part of advancing more effective, equitable legislation.” — Angelo Cusimano

“I learned about the importance of empathy and intentionality. In our diverse and ever-changing nation, it’s essential to meet people where they are. One of the most meaningful ways to create lasting, positive impact is by remaining committed to our advocacy while also adapting to various contexts and being open to listening as much as speaking. During Advocacy Day, leading with the question, “How can we be of service to you?” proved to be a powerful technique. It fostered constructive, mutual dialogue and strengthened our ability to effectively advocate for the social and behavioral sciences. This approach reminded me that advocacy isn’t just about making our voices heard—it’s about building relationships rooted in respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.” — Sarah Wang

Would you encourage other social scientists and students to engage in advocacy on behalf of the social sciences?

“I would absolutely encourage all social scientists to engage in advocacy! So many of the staff that we talked to had little understanding of how prevalent and impactful the social and behavioral sciences are in our daily lives. It is crucial that legislators hear from individuals who can authentically testify to not just their expertise, but their experience as well. Without your voice, Congress largely makes policy based on presumption or political narratives, missing the critical resources we provide when we advocate. To use one of my favorite quotes from Advocacy Day, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure!” When we advocate, we provide the data, the context, and the humanity that lead to smarter, more effective policy. Regardless of where you come from or how much experience you have, your voice adds to the rich, diverse perspectives our democracy depends on.” — Sarah Wang

“Yes. I believe that social science research is valuable in its own right for helping us better understand the human condition, but it's also useful to practice articulating its value in terms of concrete societal impact. These are times for having those arguments at the ready.” — Marcel LaFlamme

“Absolutely—I would wholeheartedly encourage other social scientists to get involved in advocacy on behalf of the social sciences. Our work doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The funding decisions made on Capitol Hill have real, direct consequences for what research gets done, whose voices are heard, and which questions we’re able to explore. Advocacy gives us a platform to shape those decisions and remind policymakers that the social sciences are vital—not just to academia but to society as a whole. Whether we’re studying education, mental health, economic inequality, or identity and belonging, our research has the power to inform more thoughtful, humane, and evidence-based policy. Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a “policy person,” COSSA makes engaging in advocacy energizing/exciting. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to show up, share your story, and speak to the value of your work. If we don’t advocate for the future of our field, who will?” — Angelo Cusimano

Marcel LaFlamme is Director of Research Policy and Scholarship at the Association of Research Libraries. Trained as a cultural anthropologist, he currently works to build evidence, capacity, and consensus around an equitable transition to open and engaged scholarship.

Angelo Cusimano is a Psychology PhD student at the Graduate Center, CUNY, and an adjunct professor at Baruch College, CUNY. His research focuses on the experiences of Multiracial women, examining how they navigate identity integration and respond to intersecting forms of discrimination, including racism and sexism. Through his work, Angelo aims to shed light on the complexities of social identity in the U.S., with the goal of informing more inclusive research and policy.

Sarah Wang joined the COSSA team for the Spring 2025 semester as a Government Relations and Public Policy Intern. A second-year interdisciplinary Political Science Presidential Merit Scholar at American University, Sarah is currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and Communications, Law, Economics, and Government. Sarah is also a Research Assistant on criminal justice research towards redefining rehabilitation in correctional settings. Previously, she has completed an internship with Congressman Robert Garcia and a fellowship with Her Bold Move focused on electing women into government positions, among other notable accomplishments. Sarah is originally from Los Angeles, California.

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