This month's Why Social Science? post comes from three participants from this year's Social Science Advocacy Day who reflected upon their advocacy experiences and the importance of advocating for the social sciences.
By Katherine M. Robiadek, Xavier University; Jessica Rich, Virginia Tech; and Lilliauna Hopkins, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
On March 23-24, 2026, over 85 social and behavioral science researchers, students, and advocates from 24 different states participated in Social Science Advocacy Day. This annual event brings together advocates from across the country to discuss with Members of Congress and their staff the importance of prioritizing funding for federal agencies and programs that support social and behavioral science research.
Below are reflections from three advocates who participated: Katherine M. Robiadek, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Core Faculty in the honors program in "Philosophy, Politics, and the Public" at Xavier University; Jessica Rich, research faculty in the College of Science at Virginia Tech; and Lilliauna Hopkins, PhD Candidate and instructor at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.