Event Details

John Brimsek is a volunteer with experience on and off Capitol Hill. He began his career working for a governor after college in 1972. He later worked in the US Senate and US House of Representatives. He has had a law/government relations practice in Washington, DC since 1989. For a total of 45 years of experience, Mr. Brimsek has been on both sides of the advocacy process.

American political parties have become more partisan lately. There are fewer and fewer moderates in Congress. However, agreement is possible and Senators and Representatives do listen to their constituents and national organizations. There are critical issues facing archaeology in the next few years. It is more important than ever for archaeologists to advocate now, during next year’s SAA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, and thereafter. This seminar will include a brief review of American civics. It will describe steps that archaeologists can take to engage in the political process. SAA consists of highly experienced members who are passionate about the field and its importance to society. This course will help direct that passion into mobilized efforts to make a difference.

1. Prepare participants to advocate on behalf of issues of concern to archaeologists to American Senators, Representatives, and regional or local Federal department and agency offices,
2. Describe the systems and structure of Congressional offices; and
3. Direct participants to the resources that SAA provides, such as talking-points and alerts about upcoming legislation.