Communication Policies, Platforms, Etc.
Communication Policies, Platforms, Etc.
Policies
Platforms
General Policies
- As a nonpartisan program, it is important that STPF communication vehicles including fellow email lists are not used for partisan commentary or for political fundraising. Fellows running for office or fellows who would like to promote other scientists and engineers who are running for office may make one, brief announcement about a particular campaign as a news item.
- When communicating as a fellow, you are expected to adhere to ethics policies, maintain a dispassionate tone, demonstrate decorum, and be mindful of both real and perceived conflicts of interest.
- On social media, you can tag STPF (e.g., @aaas_stpf on X). With respect to STPF professional development events like orientation, do not share private or sensitive information, and do not share comments or slides made by speakers. They are tailored for a particular audience in a specific context and not meant for public distribution.
- Did you write or help write a bill or any major piece of work? The STPF practice is to attribute the authorship of legislation to the legislator(s), and we operate under the assumption that audiences know that content is usually written by staff. So instead of writing, "I wrote this bill," it is better to say, "I helped write this bill" or "I was instrumental in writing this bill."
The STPF logo may be used only with guidelines for use and written permission from STPF staff.
- Review the STPF Communications Policies slide deck.
Communicating with the Media
- AAAS encourages S&T Policy Fellows to communicate science and technology to the public. Tips for communicating effectively with various audiences can be found at Communication 101: Communication Basics for Scientists and Engineers.
- Before giving an interview or comments for a media story, be sure to check in with your host office media relations staff for any clearance or guidance.
- AAAS is rigorously nonpartisan. In any interview or public speaking, be sure to make it clear that you speak as an individual, not on behalf of AAAS or its journals. AAAS and its Board of Directors have positions on key science-related topics -- from climate change to fetal tissue research. (Contact STPF with any questions at fellowships@aaas.org.)
Affinity Groups
Group Name. The name of any group/platform/channel/entity formally associated with the fellowship must include “STPF” in it. Example: STPF Biofuels Affinity Group.
If you want to include “AAAS” in your group's name, you must also include "STPF" or "Policy Fellows." That will avoid confusion with the other types of AAAS fellows, and the AAAS name carries with it a different cachet and responsibility. There are four types of fellows at AAAS: 1) AAAS Fellows elected by AAAS members; 2) AAAS S&T Policy Fellows; 3) AAAS Mass Media Fellows.
Social Media. Tag the STPF account (@AAAS_STPF) so we can see and share your posts!
If you’re interested in setting up a social media account for your Affinity Group, please review your plan with STPF staff.
Here is a naming convention you can use for Twitter handles: @STPF[groupname] or @aaas_STPF[groupname]. Handles that reflect this convention are often retweeted by STPF, thus enhancing a tweet’s impact. Here are some examples of names and Twitter handles:
- STPF Biofuels Affinity Group
- AAAS STPF Biofuels Affinity Group
- @STPFbiofuels
- @aaas_stpf_biofuels
Class of 2025-26
- Download the template media release about your new fellowship. Your past affiliated organizations (e.g., alma mater) can use or adapt it for an article or press release about you. You can connect with your host office or agency to request input/approval of any resulting release or article. (If you are sponsored by an organization other than AAAS, consider asking them to draft a release or article about you!)
- Download the class photo: Open the link and right click on the image to save the photo.
Platforms
FellowsCentral is an exclusive platform for current and alumni fellows to network and collaborate. Find news and information about STPF; read the latest newsletters; and search for fellows in the Fellow Directory.
Sci on the Fly Blog & Podcast. Sci on the Fly is a fellow-run blog and podcast that promotes public understanding of science and policy. It provides current and alumni fellows an opportunity to gain vital experience in writing and podcasting for lay audiences. Contribute or apply to become an editor today!
STPF Social Media. We engage actively with the science policy community. Tag us so we can share/retweet you! We are @aaas_stpf on X and Instagram.
LinkedIn group for STPF alumni
STPF Email Lists (aka listservs) are a direct email channel among fellows. Fellows can request access to "STPF Alumni" and "DC Alumni" lists once their fellowship is completed. The Fellows Careers list is open to current and alumni fellows to use exclusively for sharing job opportunities and resources. Please review the list guidelines before posting.