Save NASA Science Day of Action FAQ

What is the Day of Action?

The Day of Action is The Planetary Society's premier advocacy event. We bring our members together to meet with their own congressional offices in Washington, D.C. to advocate for our three core enterprises: planetary exploration, planetary defense, and the search for life.

The event takes place in Washington, D.C. The Planetary Society books the meetings, provides training and talking points, and otherwise helps ensure a successful and rewarding experience for its participating members and supporters.

Does it cost money to register?

Yes. Our registration fee helps offset a portion of the administrative costs associated with the in-person Day of Action. This includes booking your meetings, securing meeting and event spaces, and purchasing related software licenses. We offer discounted rates for students and for early registrations.

Travel to and lodging in Washington, D.C. are not included in the registration fee. Current early-bird and standard rates are listed in the registration section above on this page.

If you cannot participate in person, we offer a number of online advocacy activities for the Day of Action that are free.

What is the time commitment to participate?

Expect to spend about two days in Washington, D.C. for in-person training and the congressional meetings, plus a short online training in advance.

• Online training: A virtual training session on April 12 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
• In-person training (mandatory): A training session on April 19 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. near the Eastern Market Metrorail stop in Washington, D.C.
• Hill day meetings: Congressional meetings on the following day, typically scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

For the in-person D.C. experience, you can expect anywhere from 3–7 meetings during the Hill day, depending on the team you’re assigned to.

For people pledging to take individual online actions instead of traveling to D.C., expect to spend less than an hour on our activities, which can be done at your discretion.

When will I get my schedule?

Congressional schedules are dynamic, and meetings often shift as offices confirm or change their availability. Because of this, individual schedules typically do not fully firm up until about one week before the event.

You’ll receive your schedule via our custom web portal once it is ready. If you have any restrictions due to travel (for example, you must arrive late or depart early), please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you.

In general, you can plan on meeting with your U.S. House representative’s office and both of your U.S. Senate offices, either directly or as part of a coordinated team.

Will I be in meetings by myself?

In almost all cases, no. We work hard to group participants into small teams based on their home state and district so that you attend meetings together. Most people experience the Day of Action as part of a team, not alone.

Very occasionally, last-minute changes or cancellations can create situations where a meeting could be one-on-one. If that happens, we will always check with you first and talk through options so you can decide what you’re comfortable with.

What's it like?

The most common experience of our participants is exhilaration. It’s rewarding and fun to share your passion with the people who can make a positive difference in the future of space exploration.

Your schedule is provided via a custom web portal that includes your meeting times and locations, participant information, and talking points. Throughout the Day of Action, you’ll usually be part of a small team of advocates from your state or region.

We also provide special events like exclusive mission briefings by leaders in the scientific community and social gatherings with Planetary Society members.

But don't take our word for it: read advocate testimonials by past participants.

Do I need to be a Member of The Planetary Society?

Yes. Given that you will be representing The Planetary Society during meetings with congressional offices, we ask that you are an active member. We have a range of affordable membership levels, and joining helps to support our ongoing advocacy and policy work. It's easy to join.

Do I need to be a space expert or an experienced space advocate?

No! You have a right to express your views to your political representatives regardless of your background or occupation. If you love space, you can tell your lawmakers that you'd like them to prioritize investments in space. Simple as that.

That said, we offer pathways to deepen your knowledge before the Day of Action with background materials and our free online course, Space Advocacy 101. We also provide training and opportunities to practice before your meetings so that you can effectively advocate for space.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. resident to register for the full Day of Action and meet with congressional offices in person. Individuals living outside the United States are encouraged to pledge to take action in support of our advocacy activities through our online campaigns.

I am a civil servant, can I participate?

Yes! As a federal employee, you have a statutory right under 5 U.S.C. § 7211 to communicate with or petition Congress individually or collectively. However, you must do so on your own time and without using government resources or presenting yourself as an agency representative.

If you have questions about how these rules apply to your specific situation, please consult your agency's ethics office or special counsel for guidance. Your voice still matters, and we welcome you to join the Day of Action in a way that fits both your passion for space and your obligations as a civil servant.

What will I be advocating for?

We primarily focus on science policy and funding at NASA related to The Planetary Society's three core enterprises: planetary exploration (both human and robotic), planetary defense, and the search for life.

You don’t need to be an expert on all of these topics. We will provide clear, simple talking points and background materials that explain the specific requests we’re making to Congress for that year’s Day of Action.

Is there a dress code?

We recommend business or business-casual dress. Think collared shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, or dresses. You will do a lot of walking and standing during the Hill day, so wear comfortable walking shoes.

Are meals included?

We provide light snacks during the in-person training session. Other meals (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the Hill day) are not included in the registration fee, so please plan and budget for those on your own.

Where do I stay in Washington, D.C.? How do I get around?

We have a page of recommendations for accommodations and travel tips for Washington, D.C., including guidance on neighborhoods, airports, and using Metro to reach Capitol Hill and our training locations.

Is the Day of Action accessible?

We strive to make the Day of Action accessible to as many people as possible. The Capitol complex and our training venues provide elevators, ramps, and other accessibility features, but there is still a fair amount of walking and standing during a typical advocacy day.

If you use a mobility device or have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance. 

What if I can’t attend in person?

If you can’t join us in Washington, D.C., you can still be part of the Day of Action. We offer dedicated online advocacy actions so you can contact your members of Congress from home and help build support for space science and exploration.

You can register for these online actions starting in January. We’ll send you specific messages to deliver, talking points to use, and updates on how your participation fits into our broader advocacy strategy.

What if my plans change? Do you offer refunds?

We understand that plans can change. We offer a full refund of your registration fee, minus any transaction or processing fees, up to two weeks before the event.

Because congressional schedules and team assignments often depend on having a constituent present for particular meetings, please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your plans. This helps us adjust schedules and ensure that every team is as strong as possible.

Is it effective?

Yes. Research by the Congressional Management Foundation shows that, for non-partisan issues like space exploration, in-person constituent advocacy has some of the highest impact on the decision process for lawmakers.

Congressional staff consistently report that:

• In-person meetings with constituents are among the most influential ways to communicate a position when a member of Congress is undecided on an issue.
• Personal stories and direct contact from constituents are significantly more impactful than form emails or online petitions.

By showing up in person, prepared and organized, you help ensure that space science and exploration remain visible and valued priorities in Congress.

I have more questions!

Please reach out to Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations, if you have further questions: [email protected].