Advocate of the Year Award 2010

2010 Nominations are now closed

The Advocate of the Year Award is an annual award presented at NAFSA Advocacy Day to recognize an international education advocate who has excelled in grassroots advocacy. The Advocate of the Year inspires others to make a difference by engaging their elected officials in discussions and promoting policies that support international education and exchange.

Selection Criteria

A seasoned advocate who:

1. Is a member of NAFSA
2. Is registered for the Advocacy Centered Team (ACT)
3. Has participated in a NAFSA advocacy event (Advocacy Day, advocacy training session, etc)
4. Has participated in a NAFSA letter-writing campaign in the past year

Nominees have made documented contributions in the following areas:

1. Has proven and successful advocacy outcomes with national and/or state-level advocacy initiatives
2. Has a relationship with their member of Congress and/or their staff (either new, developing or established)
3. Has taken action to advance NAFSA's public policy priorities
4. Has encouraged/supported/motivated their colleagues to participate in NAFSA's advocacy work

Nomination Procedures

Nominations must be submitted by January 31, 2010.

Each nomination form should outline the achievements of the NAFSA member with regard to the listed criteria. Nominations should be made by a NAFSA member and/or staff person and should present clear evidence of the nominee's achievements that merit the recognition of this award.

Selection Process

A committee, which will be selected by the Vice President of Public Policy and Practice, will include the Vice President, a member of the NAFSA Board, two NAFSA staff members and one State Whip. The committee will review and evaluate all nominations submitted on or before January 31, and will name the Advocate of the Year which will be announced at NAFSA Advocacy Day, March 16-17, 2010.