What you can do:

Did you know that fewer than 10 of 535 Members of congress have backgrounds in science or engineering? Yet everyday legislators make decisions that impact eh scientific community and few members of congress hear from scientists before voting on many issues that affect the chemical enterprise.

You can change this.

ACS & TN-GAC are committed to keeping its fellow members informed of important legislation and to bringing the expertise of members to bear on science policy. There are many ways that you as a constituent can communicate with your legislator.

1. Join the Legislative Action Network (LAN)
2. Attend Local Section Meetings
3. Communicate with TN-GAC your concerns or suggestions
4. Reach out to your legislator
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Legislative Action Network (LAN)?
The LAN is a free national advocacy program that notifies members of major issues and facilitates their communication with Members of Congress before key votes. The network focuses on science education, R&D funding, and other issues that impact the science community.

What is a Local Section and how do I find out about Local Section Meetings?
Local sections let you connect with other chemists and chemical engineers in your geographic area, participate locally in programs to enhance your professional development, and contribute to the public's understanding of chemistry in your community. The local sections are the face of the American Chemical Society at the grassroots level. Wherever you are in the U.S., chances are there's one of the 189 local sections of the ACS near where you live or work. The Local Sections portion of our webpage often have posting of the next section meetings. This page will also take you to each local section's website where you may directly contact your local section.

How does the LAN program Work?
About eight times per year, network members receive calls to action via email on pending legislation. These calls to action direct members to the Web-based Legislative Action Center to review ACS positions and contact their Members easily through a simply online method.

What are the Benefits?

  • You have the opportunity to impact legislation integral to the chemical enterprise
  • Immediate notification of hot issues access to the Legislative Action Center
  • Monthly "capitol connection" news bulletin to keep you up-to-date on key federal issues

    How do I contact TN-GAC?
    The best way to contact TN-GAC is through Email: tngac@acstngac.org

    How do I reach out to my legislator?
    The TN-GAC website also has a member tool kit that helps you with the process of the contacting your legislator. Your communication with your representative makes a difference, as members of congress respond to their constituents. What's more, most legislators do not have a good grasp of science issues and respect nonpartisan input from technical professionals. Because few constituents contact their legislators on science issues, some timely communications from ACS members can have a notable impact