Special Event

Thank you to the more than 80 advocates who helped make Advocacy Day 2024 such a success! Missed it? To add your name to this year's policy asks, visit NAFSA's Take Action page for our active advocacy campaigns. Be sure to sign up to receive Connecting our World, our weekly newsletter of policy and advocacy updates.

Advocacy Day 2024

With the second year of a new Congress approaching and a U.S. presidential election on the horizon, now is an important time to sustain and strengthen engagement with members of Congress on the key policies that would expand the reach and impact of international education. 

Can the field count on you?

Join NAFSA's public policy experts for a power-packed virtual training on needed changes to federal law and public policy and then collaborate with your peers to meet (virtually) with your members of Congress to communicate how such changes would result in key contributions to your state, economy, and U.S. competitiveness as a whole.

All are welcome! First time participants will forge new relationships with their elected officials and staff, while learning how to effectively tell their story and frame the issues—whether communicating with lawmakers or on-campus leaders. Advocacy Day veterans can deepen their existing relationship with congressional offices while updating their argument in favor of international education.

Advocacy Day Program

The event format features exclusive pre-recorded, on-demand training and a half-day of live, virtual training and strategizing with NAFSA policy experts and your peers. Following that, you will be fully prepared to engage with Congress—from the comfort of your (home) office on the second day of our event. 

  • Orientation -- March 7, 2024, 2:00 p.m. ET - 5:00 p.m. ET
    • Briefing on issues and requests of Congress
    • Virtual meeting practice sessions
    • Advocate of the Year announcement
    • Networking mixer
  • Advocacy Day -- March 13, 2024, 9:30 a.m. ET - 4:30 p.m. ET
    • Group convening for last-minute updates/questions
    • Virtual congressional meetings (exact timing TBD)
    • Group debrief and planning for year-round advocacy

Advocate of the Year

Meet NAFSA's 2024 Advocate of the Year: Chimin Lee Metzler. The Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a NAFSA member who exhibits excellence in international education advocacy, inspiring others to make a difference by engaging with elected officials and promoting policies that support creating a more welcoming and globally engaged United States.

FAQs and How to Prepare