Congressional Visits Day
Bring your expertise to Washington, D.C.
Scientists, students, and certified professionals are highly effective advocates for food, agriculture, and natural resources research funding. Our annual Congressional Visits Day gives ASA, CSSA and SSSA members an opportunity to engage with Capitol Hill and show the value and impact of research funding.
Society members with an interest in science advocacy can apply to participate in Congressional Visits Day.
2026 Congressional Visits Day
What: A two-day trip, including a full day of training and a day of office visits on Capitol Hill
Why: Lawmakers depend on scientists and agronomists to understand the impact of federal funding
When: Feb. 24–25, 2026
Apply for an award
ASA, CSSA, and SSSA members can apply for funding to attend Congressional Visits Day. Two award programs are available:
- Future Leaders in Science Award: Open to graduate student members
- Excellence in Advocacy Award: Open to non-student members at any career stage
Award applications are now open. The deadline is Dec. 3.
Interested in attending without applying for an award (meaning you will pay for your own travel and accommodations)? Email Luther Smith to learn more.
What makes Congressional Visits Day special?
What CVD participants say
"I have learned so much today. The event itself has been really well organized by the Societies, and that means that I'm coming here feeling confident and able to communicate what's important to communicate to the members of Congress."
Michael Thompson
Soil scientist
2024 President, Soil Science Society of America
"CVD is an incredible experience, to learn how to generalize your research into terms that the everyday person can understand. ... You have the opportunity to advocate and to successfully tell the story of why agriculture is so important to our security and life."
Karina Morales
Plant molecular biologist
"Congressional Visits Day is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded scientists across the ag sector as well as those who are doing outreach on the ground with farmers. Expanding my professional network through events like this is really impactful."
Sarah Brinkley
Postdoctoral fellow, horticultural sciences
2025 CVD photos
2025 CVD by the numbers
50+
Society members and CCAs joined the event
80+
Meetings held in Congressional offices
29
States represented
Other questions?
Please contact our staff with any questions: Send Message
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