Investing in Science

Several months back I worked with a group of other student members of the Botanical Society of America (BSA) to draft an open letter to lawmakers to express our hope that policymakers in Washington, DC, would sustain a national commitment to invest in our nation's scientific research, development, and education. This has now evolved into a petition. Please read the email below from the BSA student representatives to find out more about this effort:

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Attention Students: Ask Lawmakers to Support Science Education and Research
First, we'd like to thank all of you who have taken action and responded to this call. Please take the extra step and ask your friends to consider doing so as well.
The end of the academic year is quickly approaching.  Before you venture off for the summer research season or for a short break from classes, you have one more assignment.  I am writing to ask that you join with other science students from across the country to sign an online petition to lawmakers.  This statement reminds our elected leaders that scientific research and education are keys to our future and asks them to continue to make important investments in the scientific programs that will support your education and preparation for future careers in research, teaching, or the myriad fields that grow and benefit from scientific research.
We already have more than 2,750 signatures, but we would like to have more than 5,000 by the end of May.  So, if you have not already signed this online petition, please do so today at http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/science_students_letter.html.  You may also sign the petition and encourage your friends to sign via Facebook -- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Students-Sign-the-Open-Letter-to-Policymakers-About-Investments-in-Science/183684855001704.
Thank you for your time and support!
Sincerely,
Botanical Society of America Student Representatives, Marian Chau (University of Hawai`i at Manoa) and Rachel Meyer (New York Botanical Garden)
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