Dear AIAA-SF members:

Over the last half century, our federal government has come to play an ever-increasing role in the operation of aerospace businesses and research—through taxation, R&D policy, environmental regulation, and other aerospace issues. The aerospace industry, more than other industries, is directly impacted by government decisions. Almost two of every four jobs in our profession are created because of the federal government. Even if you ignore politics most of the time, you can't deny that governmental decisions on issues like these (and others) will impact your business, your profession, your job and your life. Hard work and sound strategy are not enough to ensure a successful future for our profession. Decisions made in Congress and a host of regulatory and administrative agencies shape the future of the aerospace profession just as much as your own efforts can — sometimes even more. In addition, traditional methods of affecting legislative decisions just don't work the way they used to. While lobbyists still play essential roles in representing their interests before government, new laws and restrictions have curtailed their ability to communicate with lawmakers and impact legislation. So, exactly how can you help protect your business or profession? How can you ensure that legislative decisions will have a positive impact on you and your colleagues? Our profession must readjust its political and legislative strategies to reflect the changing political environment, and you and your colleagues must work together with your government affairs professionals (AIAA staff) to play a more active role in helping to educate and advise your lawmakers on the issues that affect you. As a constituent, you are highly qualified to communicate with your own elected officials and build relationships with them. As an experienced representative of your profession, you are the most qualified to advise them on the issues affecting your profession. We wish you good luck!

» why a grassroots movement?