Passion for Data Literacy Puts Member on Capitol Hill

This year at the Joint Statistical Meetings, I participated in the ASA’s JSM Congressional Visits Day. It was an incredible experience that forced me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to advocate for something I feel passionately about: data literacy.

It all started in May, with the call to participate in the ASA’s congressional advocacy day slotted for the last day of JSM. The ASA is hoping to introduce the Data Science and Literacy Act, a bill that will provide grants for K–12 and college educators that will increase access to data science and literacy education. This is new legislation, and the goal of visiting Capitol Hill was to “shop” the legislation around to various senators and congresspeople who might be interested in introducing or cosponsoring the bill.

When I saw the opportunity, I signed up right away. I had never done anything like this before, so I saw it as an opportunity to learn. It also aligned with my desire to use my background in public health to do more good.

To prepare, ASA Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson and ASA Science Policy Fellow Ed Wu held two virtual meetings. They provided a brief introduction to the legislative process (think How a Bill Becomes a Law for statisticians) and described the legislation we would be promoting.

We were charged with reaching out to the legislative aides in the offices of our respective senators and congresspeople to set up appointments to discuss the legislation, holding the meetings, and then following up to thank the aides and keep the Data Science and Literacy Act on their radar.

Pierson and Wu provided training on the whos, whats, wheres, and whys of the meetings. They indicated we would be meeting with congressional staffers, likely young adults who do their job enthusiastically; provided us with the bill, a summary of the bill, and talking points; gave us pointers about structuring the meetings; and provided maps/directions to the locations of our meetings. They suggested we research the legislators we were to meet with so we understood what their priorities are and what legislation they have supported that might be relevant. I learned a tremendous amount just from preparing.

I was scheduled to meet in person with three staffers from Pennsylvania—aides for Sen. Bob Casey, Rep. Madeleine Dean, and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. I had a partner, also from Pennsylvania, who would attend the meetings with me. In addition, we had a Zoom meeting scheduled for the following week with Rep. Dwight Evans.

At JSM, we had one last session to prepare on Wednesday, the afternoon before most of the team was to conduct their visits. Two experts joined us and made recommendations for managing the meetings. We also had a chance to practice our pitches.

I was nervous. What if I said the wrong things? How would I connect with the legislative aides, many of whom were half my age? What if I got lost on my way to Capitol Hill? I knew I would be representing the ASA and didn’t want to let anyone down. Also, just before our Wednesday meeting, I learned my Pennsylvania partner had to cancel for personal reasons and was more than a little apprehensive about holding the meetings alone. Fortunately, Wu joined me instead.

Thursday morning came and I was excited. I took the Metro to Union Station and walked the few blocks to Capitol Hill. I arrived 45 minutes earlier than I needed to. I had never been to this part of DC and was inspired by the beauty of the Capitol.

Our first meeting was with an aide from Casey’s office, who we were to meet on the steps of the Capitol—what a place to have a meeting! Wu and I ran through our plan and were ready. Well, I was nervous, but ready. Because I was talking about something I care deeply about, the words came easily. I came up with creative ways to explain the importance of data literacy to a millennial. I incorporated the priorities of the legislators into my comments. I was surprised by how much fun I had and was energized and ready to tackle the next two meetings.

The meetings with the aides from Dean and Houlahan’s offices took place in two of the office buildings the representatives work in. I had never really thought about where our senators and representatives work and felt a little silly for not realizing there are congressional office buildings. These meetings went similarly well. The words again came easily, and the conversations flowed naturally.

The most surprising part of the visits was when one of the aides mentioned we were making statistics sound fun. In general, the aides spoke positively about the bill and promised to discuss it with their respective bosses.

JSM is generally a long, busy meeting. This year was no exception. As the meeting wore on, I started to wonder if it had been a good idea to sign up for the congressional visits. I had been away from home for several days; I was tired and ready to go home. But I am glad I stuck it out. In a low-stakes situation, I learned so much about the legislative process and how the US system of government works.

I would encourage everyone who has the opportunity to take part in advocacy for our field. It is so important to get the message out, whether it is to K–12 students, college students, local communities, or our legislators. I am grateful the ASA provided this opportunity and look forward to the Data Science and Literacy Act becoming a law.

JOIN THE EFFORT
To advocate for the Data Science and Literacy Act, contact ASA Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson.