Government resources to help preserve our ecosystems and advance scientific understanding are growing scarce. As policymakers at all levels prioritize investments, it is ever more critical that ecologists communicate the value of sustained investment in ecological science and education and share relevant ecological information with policymakers, resource managers, and community leaders. “An Ecologist’s Guidebook to Policy Engagement,” a 2011 ESA publication, outlines methods for ecological scientists to collaborate with decision makers and offers tips on effective communication beyond the science community. Join the Society’s team of policy and media professionals as well as ecologists experienced in engaging beyond the ecological community to learn how to effectively share ecological information, build professional relationships, and utilize ESA policy and media resources, including its popular blog, podcasts, Graduate Student Policy Award, and more. This session will emphasize the importance of bridging ideological divides to focus on areas of common ground and other strategies to effectively inform policy.