Advocacy Tip of the Month, September 2007

Organize a Congress-to-Campus Event during International Education Week 2007

November 12-16

This year marks the eighth annual International Education Week (IEW), sponsored by the U.S. Departments of State and Education. Once again, NAFSA members are encouraged to plan events on campus and in their surrounding communities to promote the benefits of international education and exchange. This year’s theme is "International Education: Fostering Global Citizenship and Respect."

In an effort to increase Capitol Hill’s awareness of IEW, NAFSA asks all U.S. campus-based NAFSAns to consider inviting one of their members of Congress to campus for a scheduled IEW event. Hosting a senator or representative--usually for about one hour--is an excellent way to showcase your institution’s valuable international education programs and the benefits they provide your students.

Ideal IEW events are those that would allow staff and students to interact with the member of Congress, such as a cultural festival or a study abroad roundtable. Having your congressperson meet students who’ve had life-changing international experiences is a sure way to increase his/her knowledge of and legislative support for international education.

Action Steps

Discuss the possibility of organizing a Congress-to-Campus visit with your institution’s government relations officer. View page 5 of NAFSA’s Advocacy Handbook for information on how to plan a visit.
If you decide you would like to invite a member of Congress to your campus, please contact Kari Lantos for further guidance.