APS Statements articulate the enduring positions of APS on topics relevant to our community. They guide and authorize the activities of the organization, such as advocacy to the federal government.
The APS Panel on Public Affairs (POPA) is the body responsible for creating, editing, and archiving APS Statements. Statements are crafted through a meticulous review process to ensure that leaders and members of APS may provide input, and all statements have to be approved by the APS Council.
The review process for any statement may be started at anytime if deemed necessary by the Panel on Public Affairs, and at least once every 5 years.
The process from proposal through adoption for an APS statement can take up to a year, and not every proposed statement is ultimately adopted by APS Council. For clarification on any of the steps in the APS Statement process, contact Government Affairs.
Step One: Initiation
Step Two: Drafting
Step Three: Council and Board Review
Step Four: Membership Comment/POPA Review
Step Five: APS Board Vote
Step Six: APS Council Vote
APS Board Statements provide an expedited pathway to create a temporary, one-year policy position in response to current events. APS Board statements engage the APS Board, Council, leadership, POPA, and PPC. APS Board Statements may be considered by POPA as candidates to become APS Statements.
Any member can suggest statements or activities. Before doing so, we ask members to consider the following questions:
Proposed statements and activities can be submitted via email. Please refer to APS GA's proposal submission guide. Members should be aware that APS does not necessarily pursue all proposed statements or activities.
Related resources on APS leadership: