As Early Career Representatives of IEEE-USA, we had the distinct honor of leading the pilot ‘Meet Your Local Congressman’ event, a groundbreaking initiative designed to connect IEEE members with local congressional representatives. This program, inspired by IEEE-USA’s Congressional Visits Day (CVD), was tailored specifically for the local district, emphasizing IEEE-USA’s mission to influence policies that directly impact science and technology. The ‘Meet Your Local Congressman’ program is now rebranded to ICOP, shorthand for IEEE-USA Congressional Outreach Program. This inaugural event was held in Idaho Falls, Idaho IEEE Region 6 on 10 May.
Engaging Local Representatives
The excitement among our student and young professional members was clear from the moment we started planning this event. From the very beginning, everyone was eager to have an opportunity to make their voice heard in shaping the policies that affect their work and future careers. When the day finally came, we had the chance to meet with key staff members from the offices of Representative Mike Simpson, Senator Mike Crapo, and Senator James Risch. These meetings were more than just formalities — they were opportunities to really highlight what’s happening in Idaho’s technology and engineering sectors. From the cutting-edge research at Idaho’s national laboratories to the innovative work being done by local companies, we were able to highlight the diverse and impactful career paths that our students and professionals are pursuing.
Discussing the CHIPS and Science Act
One of the central topics of the discussions was the CHIPS and Science Act, a crucial piece of legislation that plays a pivotal role in funding science and technology projects and opportunities in Idaho. We and other participants took a deep dive into various aspects of the Act, examining how funds are allocated, its current status, and the broader implications for both the research and student communities. Critically, the participants noted that this legislation is not just a lifeline for ongoing research, but also a beacon of hope for future scientists and engineers.
Our conversations touched on the real-world challenges that researchers face, particularly when it comes to securing adequate budget appropriations. These challenges are significant, as they can directly impact the pace and scope of innovation within the state. We also discussed how the Act’s funding for semiconductor and fabrication initiatives in local companies is shaping the future for Idaho’s graduating students. This funding is crucial for equipping students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Moreover, the discussions underscored how the CHIPS and Science Act is helping to fund collegiate and other research projects at Idaho National Laboratory. These projects are not just about advancing semiconductor and related research; they are also about cultivating the next generation of the workforce. Students shared how this funding has enabled them to work on cutting-edge research, which in turn is preparing them for the high-tech jobs of the future. The CHIPS Act is, therefore, playing a dual role: it’s pushing the boundaries of science and technology, while also investing in the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will drive the industry forward.
Building Connections and Future Collaborations
Our discussions emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections with congressional staff. These relationships are vital for ensuring that our voices, particularly those of young professionals and students, are heard in the policy-making process. We explored opportunities to collaborate on various STEM programs, recognizing the critical role these initiatives play in advancing innovation and preparing the next generation of technology professionals.
The insights provided by the staff were invaluable. They offered a clearer understanding of how policies are evolving to better address the needs of student and younger professionals, and suggested strategies for advocating for budget adjustments to gain more local and congressional support. By building and nurturing these connections, we can work together to influence policies that directly impact our industry, and ensure that the initiatives we care about receive the attention and funding they deserve.
Gratitude and Reflections
We are immensely grateful to the congressional staff who took the time to engage with us during this initial dialogue. Their willingness to listen, provide thoughtful feedback, and share their insights on the evolving policy landscape was invaluable. Their openness made the discussions both enriching and productive, giving us a deeper understanding of how we can influence technology policies that directly support our community. This pilot event truly underscored the importance of local engagement in advocating for the policies that shape our industry.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of the IEEE-USA staff — especially Russell Harrison, Erik Heilman and Annie Perrin Grisham. They were the backbone of this event, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in preparing us for our meetings, ensuring that our conversations with congressional staff were both impactful and meaningful. Their dedication to our cause helped turn this event into a success, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts.
The Impact of Local Advocacy
The ‘Meet Your Local Congressman’ event highlighted the critical role of local advocacy in shaping tech policies. By engaging directly with congressmen and their staff within our district, we had the unique opportunity to present our concerns and aspirations firsthand. This direct interaction ensured that the voices of young professionals and students were not just heard, but also considered in the policy-making process. Moreover, this approach allowed us to build more personal and meaningful connections with the policy-makers, creating a collaborative environment where we can work together toward common goals. These connections are key to fostering long-term relationships that will help us continue to influence policies that impact our community and industry.
IEEE-USA Speaking Engagement
Following our meeting, we participated in a speaking and networking session with the IEEE-USA government relations staff. This session provided invaluable insights into the workings of government and the intricacies of policy discussions with congressional officers on Capitol Hill. The IEEE-USA staff shared their experiences and explained how they engage with policy-makers to advocate for the engineering profession and influence legislation that impacts technology and innovation.
The event was not only informative, but also served as a robust networking opportunity, particularly for the young professionals (YPs) and students in attendance. It facilitated meaningful connections between attendees, fostering a community of emerging leaders in the engineering field. This engagement highlighted the importance of understanding the intersection between engineering and public policy, and how engineers can play a crucial role in shaping the future through active participation in governmental processes.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, the success of this pilot event paves the way for more local advocacy efforts. It demonstrates the potential for U.S. IEEE members to make a significant impact on technology policies by engaging with their local representatives. By continuing to build these relationships, and advocating for policies that support innovation and research, we can help shape a future where technology thrives and benefits all. The next ICOP event will be held in Atlanta in Fall of 2024. And we are hoping to schedule more sessions in other localities in 2025.
Conclusion
The pilot ‘Meet Your Local Congressman’ event was a testament to the power of local advocacy and the importance of engaging with policy-makers. As an IEEE-USA Early Career Representative, I am proud to have been part of this initiative, and look forward to continuing our efforts to influence tech policy. With the support of the IEEE-USA staff and the enthusiasm of our members, we can make a lasting impact on the policies that shape our industry and our careers.
