For over 150 years, AAAS has been a strong voice for science, gaining a position of respect as a valued and trusted resource. Your contribution to AAAS can help to drive home the importance of science at this critical time in our global history.

Make a gift today, or contact us to learn more.

You can be a catalyst for change

As we stand in the midst of the most difficult economic situation in decades, we know that science—and the innovation it inspires—will be the key to renewed growth. Indeed, since World War II, science and technology have been responsible for more than half of America's economic growth.

We have much work to do. In recent decades, too few of our brightest young people have pursued scientific careers and American students have fallen behind in science and math proficiency. Communities are embattled over ideological issues that threaten the quality of science education at a time when more jobs require at least a basic understanding of core science concepts.

Why AAAS?

In addition to a strong pipeline of new scientists and engineers, economic success through innovation will also require new ways of "doing" and funding science. The advances that will drive economic growth call for new levels of collaboration and interaction among scientists and engineers across disciplines. As the largest general scientific association with the broadest reach within the science and engineering community, AAAS is uniquely positioned to support this change.

The biggest problems on the government's agenda need solutions that involve science and technology. Improving America's quality of life and life around the world will require innovative answers to climate change, antibiotic resistance, aging, cancer, and many other threats. AAAS will work to assure that the solutions to these challenges are informed by the science community in its broadest sense.

What's our action plan?

Exactly what will AAAS be doing in this critical time? Some of it will be the "Washington work" we always have done—testifying on the Hill, delivering speeches, writing op-eds, and similar activities. We will be moving with increased intensity on all these fronts. But we also need to go beyond Washington to gain broad public engagement in and support for science and to reach decisionmakers from around the world. To do that, we will be organizing town hall meetings on issues such as climate change and evolution; sponsoring local events with scientists, young people and their families; working with local leaders, including teachers, school-board members, and the clergy; and building international relations through science diplomacy, encouraging global collaboration to overcome global challenges. We have been doing some of this all along, but at this important juncture, we need to do much more.

Why do we need your help?

Like many national associations, our unrestricted resources are very limited. AAAS is funded through member dues, revenues related to our flagship journal Science, grants and other sources that are restricted to supporting specific programs. Our key need is for flexible funding that can be used to undertake new initiatives.

Philanthropic giving has been important in providing us with the flexibility—the "running room"—to innovate and respond quickly. With your help and support, AAAS will seize the opportunities in the current crisis and lead the way for science and society.