Public Policy

"...to inform members, government, and the public about aerospace."

Contents:

Introduction
Background
Why Get Involved?

Introduction

This section is all about how you can become involved in public policy. The first thing to remember is that: You can make a difference!

This page explains what public policy is in the AIAA and provides some background regarding AIAA's involvement. It then answers the basic question, why should I get involved?

The next step is to learn about how you can get involved and make a real difference. First, you should learn a little about the Legislative Process. Then, some good advice is provided on how to contact your legislator.

Of course, to really make a difference, it is important to know what the issues are and what is going on. So here is a list of some good news sources.

Remember, the fields of aeronautics and stronautics are profoundly affected by the government. It is important that every member of AIAA be aware of what is going on in the government and how you can make a difference in what our government does.

Background

Public Policy, simply defined, is policy set by the government in the name of the public. To AIAA, public policy means the Institute's relations with the government, and mainly with the federal government. AIAA established a Public Policy program in 1972, opening a Washington Office and forming a Public Policy Committee. Since then, the Institute has contributed technical expertise and policy guidance to Congress and the Executive Branch, regularly testifying before the House and Senate on aerospace-related issues. Bringing the specialized knowledge of AIAA's members to bear on current national issues, the Institute also develops position papers and holds workshops, the findings of which are presented to government decision-makers, the press, and national public opinion leaders.

Why Get Involved?

The next two questions and answers may seem a bit simplistic, but simplicity has its value. It guarantees that no one will overlook the obvious -- and usually most important -- points.

Why should individual AIAA members want to communicate with their Senators and Members of Congress?

Our government is a representative democracy. You the people elect individuals to speak for things that concern you and affect your well-being. If this system is to perform properly for you, it should reflect your views. If your views are not voiced, the views of those who do speak up will receive the greatest attention. It is as simple as that. Although this simple philosophy is complicated by many factors, the overriding generalization holds: If you do not stand up for your interests, who will?

How is the government involved in aeronautics and astronautics?

Aeronautics and astronautics are technologies crucial to the well-being of the United States, strongly affecting the nation's economy, security, and technical progress. The federal government has an enormous impact upon our goals, spending over $68 billion on aerospace research and development carried out in the United States, and purchasing the products and services offered by the aerospace industry. In addition, two out of three of our members' jobs exist because of government involvement in aerospace programs.

It is clear that if AIAA can influence government decision-making by providing information and expertise on national aerospace programs, we can in turn affect the advancement of our profession.

Committee

The local Public Policy Committee (PPC) needs you! Currently, we are looking for more people who would like to make a difference in their profession and their community to join the committee and get involved. Participation is open to all AIAA members. The local PPC has a tradition of being active in formulating and pursuing several initiatives that make a real difference in the legislative process.

For more information, contact:
Todd Farley [ pubpol@aiaa-sf.org ]
Morgan Bracken [ morgan.bracken@lmco.com ]

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Last updated: October 6, 2001