Information on
Government Relations Action Alerts

The AAA Department of Government Relations regularly monitors the actions of Congress, the White House and federal agencies which affect the discipline or practice of anthropology. Although the AAA responds as an organization to federal actions that may adversely or positively affect anthropology, many times a concerted response by individual anthropologists is necessary to successfully support or oppose proposed federal action.

"Action alerts" notify anthropologists of impending federal action affecting anthropology that would benefit from a response by individual anthropologists. Action alerts define the issue, the federal action proposed, AAA's response, and recommends appropriate action by individual anthropologists.

For example, previous AAA action alerts have focused on threats to federal funding for the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities contained in Congressional appropriation and/or authorization bills. The action alarts have recommended that anthropologists, as constituents, write their members of Congress on the issues. The overwhelming response of anthropologists, along with others, resulted in a positive outcome for the two federal agencies.

Action alerts will be posted and updated as necessary. For more information, or to notify the AAA Department of Government Relations concerning matters in which action alerts might be useful, contact Paul Nuti, Director, External, International and Government Relations Department, 2200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22201; (703) 528-1902, ext. 3008; fax (703) 528-3546.