Save NASA Science Day of Action FAQ

What is the Day of Action?

The Day of Action is The Planetary Society's premier global advocacy event. We provide opportunities to meet with their congressional offices to advocate for our three core enterprises: planetary exploration, planetary defense, and the search for life.

The event takes place in Washington, D.C. The Planetary Society books the meetings, provides training and talking points, and otherwise helps ensure a successful and rewarding experience for its participating members.

Does it cost money to register?

Yes. Our registration fee helps offset a portion of the administrative costs associated with the in-person Day of Action. This includes booking your meetings, securing meeting and event spaces, and purchasing related software licenses. We offer discounted rates for students and for early registrations.

If you cannot participate in person, we offer a number of online advocacy activities for the Day of Action that are free.

What is the time commitment to participate?

Expect to spend about two days in Washington, D.C. for in-person training and the congressional meetings. Training is usually held on a Sunday with congressional meetings scheduled the next day. There is also a virtual training session that lasts about two hours roughly two weeks prior to the event itself.

For the in-person D.C. experience, expect to engage in 3 - 7 meetings throughout the day. Meetings can occur as early as 9 am and finish as late as 5:30 pm. 

For people pledging to take individual actions, expect to spend less than an hour on our activities, which can be done at your discretion.

What's it like?

The most common experience of our participants is exhilaration. It's rewarding and fun to share your passion with the people who can make a positive difference in the future of space exploration.

Your schedule is provided via a custom web portal that provides meeting information and your schedule, participant information, and talking points. We also provide special events like exclusive mission briefings by leaders in the scientific community and social gatherings with Planetary Society members.

But don't take our word for it: read advocate testimonials by past participants.

Do I need to be a Member of The Planetary Society?

Yes, given that you will represent The Planetary Society during meetings with congressional offices, we ask that you are an active member. We have a range of affordable membership levels, and singing up as a member helps to support our ongoing advocacy and policy work. It's easy to join.

Do I need to be a space expert or an experienced space advocate?

No! You have a right to express your views to your political representatives regardless of your background or occupation. If you love space, you can tell your lawmakers that you'd like them to prioritize investments in space. Simple as that.

That said, we offer pathways to deepen your knowledge before the Day of Action with background materials and our free online course, Space Advocacy 101. We also provide training and opportunities to practice before your meetings so that you can effectively advocate for space.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. resident to register for the full Day of Action. Individuals living outside the United States may pledge to take action in support of our advocacy activities.

I am a civil servant, can I participate?

Yes! As a federal employee, you have a statutory right under 5 U.S.C. § 7211 to communicate with or petition Congress individually or collectively. However, you must do so on your own time and without using government resources or presenting yourself as an agency representative.

If you have questions about how these rules apply to your specific situation, please consult your agency's ethics office or special counsel for guidance. Your voice still matters, and we welcome you to join the Day of Action in a way that fits both your passion for space and your obligations as a civil servant.

What will I be advocating for?

We primarily focus on science policy and funding at NASA for issues related to The Planetary Society's three core enterprises: planetary exploration (both human and robotic), planetary defense, and the search for life. 

Is there a dress code?

We recommend business or business-casual dress. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Will I meet directly with my member of Congress?

Sometimes. We always attempt to schedule an in-person meeting with your lawmaker, but due to scheduling complexities, you will generally meet with a high-level staff member in their Washington, D.C. office.

Where do I stay in Washington, D.C.? How do I get around?

We have a page of recommendations for accommodations and travel tips for Washington, D.C.

Is it effective?

Yes. Research by the Congressional Management Foundation shows that, for non-partisan issues like space exploration, in-person constituent advocacy has the highest impact on the decision process for lawmakers:

I have more questions!

Please reach out to Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations, if you have further questions: [email protected].