Your unique experience and story of why the Green Bank Observatory is important and should remain fully funded and operated as a science and education centered facility is so important!

However, we know it can be a little intimidating to figure out what to say. We’ve provided some sample language you can either use as is or modified, to help. Please note though that the language in bold is specific to make sure the GBO is funded fully and operated for science and education purposes and thus that specific language is important to include in your calls, emails, and/or faxes.

First, be sure to share your name and where you are from:

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP]. My address is [provide actual address to be counted].”

Second, state your purpose clearly (the language below should be included):

“I’m calling to urge [REP/SEN NAME] to support full funding and continued operation of the Green Bank Observatory as a public science and education centered facility.” 

Third, Share your story!

If you need any help, here is some additional, optional language that can be used either as is and/or modified along with sharing your important and unique story – whatever works best for you! Also, if you’d like to share some facts about the GBO and need help – visit the Green Bank Observatory’s webpage or our Facts about the GBO page.

“The National Science Foundation’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2026 proposes to cut the budget for the Green Bank Observatory from its previous annual allotment of 9.55 million dollars to 3.00 million dollars, with the intent to pursue decommissioning and disposition of the facility. 

This proposal would result in the loss of a cutting-edge facility that is home to the world’s largest fully steerable telescope, based in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This facility not only produces groundbreaking scientific discoveries every year, but also contributes tremendously to the training of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians in a variety of STEM fields, ranging from K-12 to graduate school and beyond. Additionally, the Observatory contributes significantly to the West Virginia economy through its tourism draw and its status as an employer in an extremely rural county in WV. So in addition to its benefits to science and education, the GBO brings in more revenue to the state than it costs to fund the facility per year. “

[Strongly encouraged: describe any personal reasons you would like to share for supporting the Green Bank Observatory here. Also feel free to use facts about the GBO from the Fact sheets provided]

Fourth, please ask them to ask their fellow Congress people to support the GBO as well.

“Please urge your fellow Congress members to support full funding for the Green Bank Observatory and that it continues as a science and education focused facility to ensure that we do not lose this gem of a research and educational facility that does so much to further education, research, and prosperity in our state while inspiring the next generation of students to reach for the stars.

Lastly, consider thanking them for their time.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and support.”

[IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.]