At NAFSA's Advocacy Day, speak out for students, scholars, and policies that matter to you! Though the format will be 100 percent virtual, your voice will be no less powerful. A combination of pre-recorded materials, live online training, and strategizing with policy experts and your peers will give you the tools you need to educate Congress on how policy change would create a more globally engaged and welcoming United States.
The March event will be entirely virtual and held over the course of two days. March 7 will feature a half-day of training on the issues with our policy experts followed by practice sessions with your peers to rehearse the congressional meetings. March 13 will be devoted to the virtual meetings. We ask all participants to block off the entire day.
Personal meetings will be scheduled for you with one of your elected officials or their staff. At least one other meeting will be added to your schedule to round out your experience.
Below are answers to other important questions. Still have questions? Email us!
Who Should Participate?
- International educators at any level of their career who want to speak out as private U.S. citizens for policies that will lead to a more globally engaged and welcoming United States.
- Students who have studied abroad and international students and scholars who want to share their meaningful experiences with elected officials.
Why Should I Attend?
- If you are a first-timer to advocating with NAFSA, you will gain a better understanding of international education policy issues, congressional processes, and proven methods to effectively tell your story and frame the issues. Open the door to new relationships with your elected officials and their staff.
- If you are a returning participant, you will deepen your relationship with congressional staff. Leverage up-to-the-minute legislative updates provided to all NAFSA Advocacy Day participants. Impart a clear understanding of how legislation that impacts international education can create a more globally engaged United States, and a more secure and peaceful world.
What is the Schedule?
- View the event schedule.
- Day 1: This will consist of a half-day training via Zoom, and will be held on March 7. Participants will get the latest on the political landscape in Washington and NAFSA’s corresponding political strategy to advance the field of international education. Attendees will have the chance to train, collaborate, and network with attendees from their state and/or region and ask questions of NAFSA issue experts. The day will conclude with a virtual mixer and celebration of the 2024 Advocate of the Year.
- Day 2: March 13 will begin with a short briefing with NAFSA policy staff to address any last minute questions or schedule changes, followed by the congressional meetings themselves. A group debrief will follow, for all to share their experiences and get energized to advocate year-round on the top issues impacting the field.
- Though the specific meeting schedule will not be finalized until much closer to the day, participants are asked to block off the entire day of March 13 to ensure their flexibility to accommodate congressional staff availability.
Will I Represent My Institution?
No, we don't expect participants to speak on behalf of their employer or institution. If you wish to speak on behalf of your institution, NAFSA recommends that you speak with your federal relations officer or government affairs professional prior to attending Advocacy Day.
How Many Meetings Will I Have?
You can expect one or more meetings with a member (or staffer) of your congressional delegation (based on your home or work address) and potentially one meeting where you are not a constituent. No attendee will be asked to field a congressional meeting alone without their prior approval.
What Is a (Virtual) Hill Meeting Like?
- Most congressional meetings--whether in person or virtual--are simple conversations. You do not need to do a formal presentation such as a PowerPoint slide deck.
- Meetings can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. You will share data, stories, and your personal knowledge of how international education impacts your campus, students, scholars, district, and state.
- You will connect with your lawmakers' office through either a video or phone conference that will be furnished for you.
Will I Make an Impact?
- Yes! As a direct result of past advocacy events, members of Congress have signed on as cosponsors to bills we champion, given public floor statements, hosted events, tweeted support for our issues, and more.
- While the global coronavirus pandemic is still impacting the feasibility of face-to-face meetings between lawmakers and constituents in Washington, Congress has quickly embraced digital tools. Connecting by video or phone call is the new norm.
- Keep in mind: advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. If you want to have a greater and long-term impact, you must follow up with the congressional staffers you met throughout the next year. NAFSA will provide reminders and resources such as relevant news articles to assist you with your communications. A good goal is to reach out once a month with an email or phone call.
How Should I Prepare?
- Start thinking about student stories that would help you illustrate the importance of the congressional asks we are making: to remove barriers to international students and scholars studying, working, and living in the U.S. and to increase the number and diversity of students studying abroad.
- In the month or so before the event, keep an eye out for email messages from NAFSA with online briefing materials that will help you get up to speed on the policy issues and legislation that we will be advocating for in March.
- For a more meaningful experience, get to know your lawmakers' stances on education, foreign policy, and immigration reform in advance. Follow their work and appearances in the news, become familiar with their websites, find out what committees they serve on, and follow their social media profiles.
Who Will I Meet With?
- We aim to schedule at least two meetings for each participant, one a member of your congressional delegation, and one from outside your delegation for a total of two meetings.
- Because members of Congress have extremely busy schedules, most of your meetings will be with staff. Meetings with staff can be extremely productive because they advise the member on the issues, draft legislation, and negotiate with other offices. Congressional staffers often work in multiple offices throughout their career on Capitol Hill, so your advocacy efforts can have a positive impact around the country!
- Your meeting with a member of your congressional delegation will be based on either your home voting address or that of your employer. Even if it is based on your employer's address, all Advocacy Day attendees are encouraged to attend as private citizens.
