SIOP Advocacy Highlighted at Annual Conference
SIOP’s efforts in Washington, D.C. were highlighted during two panels at the 2023 SIOP Annual Conference held earlier this month in Boston. During a session focused on utilizing I-O to advance social good, representatives from Lewis-Burke shared details about the activities generated from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office and SIOP. Lewis-Burke also presented with SIOP GREAT Chair Kristin Saboe and a panel of other state and federally focused SIOP members on how to advocate as an I-O and how to support evidence-based policymaking. Outside of detailing SIOP advocacy efforts, Lewis-Burke participated in a session focused on best practices for obtaining federal research funding. In addition to sharing details on SIOP’s federal engagements, Lewis-Burke promoted getting involved in the policing initiative and the second iteration of the Advocacy Academy with SIOP Members during the annual conference. SIOP members interested in getting involved with the SIOP Policing Initiative or joining the Advocacy Academy should reach out to Jack Goodman at jack@lewis-burke.com.
SIOP Meets with Senate Office Regarding Privacy and Workforce Surveillance Legislation
SIOP President Tara Behrend and SIOP GREAT Chair Kristin Saboe joined Lewis-Burke in a meeting with the Office of Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) regarding his recent legislation, the Stop Spying Bosses Act. The bill would explore the potential impacts of workplace surveillance and automated employment decisions and establish a series of advisory boards, including one on research in this space. During the meeting, Dr. Behrend shared relevant I-O research findings, advocated for I-O expertise on advisory panels in the legislation and additional funding for federal research initiatives, and offered SIOP as a consultative resource for the office going forward. Senator Casey’s office was appreciative and shared that they plan to continue to address other future of work issues in future legislation and that they will keep SIOP in mind as they do.
Inaugural Advocacy Academy Concludes with Congressional Meetings
The first cohort of SIOP Advocacy Academy participants concluded the year-long training program as trained SIOP advocates this past month. The group of 26 academics, practitioners, and students applied the information they’ve learned through a series of monthly webinars in virtual meetings with congressional offices. Academy participants were grouped by geographic region and provided with meeting targets in key offices on the relevant science-oriented committees. The groups scheduled their own meetings to discuss SIOP priorities such as funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) or graduate education support programs. Several offices reached out after the meetings to request additional information on I-O research and expertise. Lewis-Burke and SIOP are now working together to identify additional opportunities for these trained advocates to use their new skills, as well as preparing for a new cohort of Advocacy Academy participants. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Advocacy Academy, please email Jack Goodman at jack@lewis-burke.com.
Publication Type
Washington InfO
Topic
Government Relations