FASEB Presents Advocacy Sessions at NPA

By: Nabila Riaz
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
FASEB, a longstanding supporter of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) and its overarching mission to support postdoctoral scholars (postdocs), hosted a concurrent session at the NPA annual conference on March 15–16 in Seattle. The session aimed to provide postdocs with essential science advocacy skills.

On March 16, FASEB led the session titled "Unlocking the Power of Your Voice: A Framework for Effective Advocacy." The session featured Nabila Riaz, PhD, of FASEB; NPA Advocacy Committee Co-chairs Sara M. Dann, PhD, and Azmi A. Ahmad, PhD; and Mallory Smith, PhD, a member of the NPA Advocacy Committee. The session was structured into three parts. The session began with a general introduction to advocacy definitions, terminologies, and types. FASEB provided attendees with an  Advocacy Toolkit containing skills and methods to advocate for their concerns at their respective institutions or on Capitol Hill. Ahmad’s presentation focused on sharing case studies illustrating strategies for advocating, such as establishing an ombudsman's office and alleviating financial burdens for postdocs at institutions. Following these brief presentations, attendees participated in breakout groups to delve deeper into the topics discussed and to network with others interested in advocating for various postdoc-related issues, both locally and nationally.