Many scientists, academics and psychologists employed by non-profits would love to see their knowledge and expertise used to shape policies and improve human lives, but are non-profit employees allowed to engage in advocacy work or lobbying? What is the difference between advocacy and lobbying?
Here is some quick info to help clarify these issues.
Advocating means educating about a general issue (e.g., the importance of research funding), without speaking in support or opposition to specific legislation. Advocacy activities may include speaking with elected officials or their staff about scientists’, academics’ and non-profits’ own work, expertise, a summary of their findings, or the application of their work to improve people’s lives. APA works diligently to bring this expertise forward and all advocacy activities (i.e., not speaking to a specific piece of legislation) are permissible for scientists to engage in.
But is it permitted for scientists and employees of non-profits to “lobby;” that is, to advocate for the passage of particular legislation? The answer is most likely, yes. But we advise you to check in with the legislative staff at your institution before you participate in a Hill Day or other event where you are supporting specific legislation. Your institution’s staff can advise you of any relevant internal policies. We find that in almost all cases, the priorities of APA and academic institutions are in sync on science issues.
Sound policies based on science and evidence are what we all want, and the voices of scientists and psychology experts are key to ensuring those policies are adopted. Any questions, feel free to write to us, and watch for APA’s advocacy or lobbying opportunities that would benefit from your expertise and work.