Advocacy Tip of the Month, February 2008

Remember: You're the Issue Expert!

While it's understandable that constituents sometimes feel intimidated when communicating with members of Congress and their staff, it's important for NAFSAns to remember that they are issue experts. As an international educator, your day-to-day work experience makes you well-placed to further educate Hill staff about the impact international education legislation can have on students and institutions of higher education.

Talk About What You Know
Congressional staffers don't expect you to know the details of legislation- that's their job. They want you to talk about the concerns on your campus/institution. For example, share the impact visa delays have on your students' ability to begin their semesters on time. Or describe the consequences the possible removal of the H-1B cap exemption would have on your university's hiring of specialized faculty.

All Politics is Local
When communicating with Hill offices, always describe how the legislation you are advocating for affects your institution and/or a specific student. For example, what would passage of the Simon Study Abroad Bill mean for your students and their ability to participate in education abroad programs?

Action Steps

If you're participating in Advocacy Day next month, please start thinking of compelling stories you can share with your members of Congress and their staff during your Hill meetings.
If you won't be participating in Advocacy Day, please use the above tips to craft a personalized letter to your Senators in support of the Simon Study Abroad bill.