ASA’s mission includes advancing sociology as a science and profession and promoting its contributions to and use in society. We achieve this goal by engaging in the following activities:
- Advocating for Sociology: Through letters and other public means, we state our positions on issues related to public policy for which there is consensus in the sociological literature or that concern the well-being of the discipline and profession.
- Taking Action: The ASA Action Center hosts Action Alerts on current issues and legislation that allow you to write letters to your representatives in Congress.
- Building Capacity: We create toolkits that develop and help increase sociologists’ capacity for sharing scholarship and research with the public through various means, such as traditional media, podcasts, and other outlets.
- Elevating Community-Engaged Scholarship: Our Sociology Action Network offers support, resources, and educational opportunities for sociologists interested in collaborative, community-engaged approaches to research and teaching. Our Community-Engaged Scholarship in Tenure and Promotion toolkit provides a framework for career advancement.
- Defending the Discipline: Our Value of Sociology initiative offers practical tools and guidance for communicating sociology’s importance to the public, advocating for yourself and your department, and sharing powerful stories that highlight the impact of our discipline.
- Training for Policy Outreach: The Policy Outreach Program Fellowship aims to enhance connections between ASA and legislative offices, think tanks, and policymakers influencing public policy and opinion.
- Public Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC): This 8-member committee drives the society’s public communications and media outreach, and members serve for two years. Members are responsible for collaborating with the ASA communications department on media requests, policy briefs, and helping select fellows for the Policy Outreach Program Fellowship. PEAC members share their knowledge and expertise on presenting research to policymakers and legislators in an engaging and accessible way, and provide overall feedback on POP’s success and areas for improvement.
- Journal Podcasts: Each month, several authors of articles published in ASA journals are interviewed about their research. We invite you to listen to the latest podcasts and read the corresponding articles.