Legislative Advocacy

Legislative Advocacy

What is Legislative Advocacy?

  • Making the case for a larger investment in career and technical education.
  • Working with policy makers to address concerns of career and technical education.

Why is it Important?

  • Making the case for a larger investment in career and technical education.
  • Working with policy makers to address concerns of career and technical education.

Who Should You Target?

Education programs like career and technical education are governed by the federal government, state government and by your local school district – so all three levels are important!

  • Congressional representatives
  • U.S. Secretary of Education
  • Office of Vocational and Adult Education

General Advocacy Guidelines

  • Be Informed
  • Know the Policy Maker
  • Make it Local
  • Be Concise
  • Be Specific
  • Be Constructive
  • Follow-Up
  • Continue Relationship

Methods of Communication

  • Visits with Key Policymakers
  • Fact Sheets
  • Letter/Faxes/E-Mails
  • Calls to Key Policymakers
  • School Tours
  • Presenting Testimony
  • Community Activism
  • Political Campaigns
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Legislative Visits

Before Your Visit

  • Call staffers to schedule appointments
  • Define your goals, gather your facts, and plan your group strategy
  • Prepare your materials
  • Know where you are going
  • Be on time, be flexible

Steps to a Successful Visit

  • Identify yourself and your organization: No acronyms or abbreviations!
  • Deliver your message: Use local stories and statistics and share your personal experiences
  • Make your request
  • Ask for something specific
  • Say thank you

What You Can Do

  • Develop a relationship with your congressional representatives
  • Share data and statistics with policymakers/li>
  • Stay informed on key issues and sign up for ACTE Legislative Alerts/li>
  • Share this information with others – encourage them to become advocates/li>
  • Promote your programs!/li>

About

The Georgia Technology Student Association is a charter affiliate of National TSA and dedicated to middle and high school students enrolled or previously enrolled or that have an interest in engineering & technology education pathway and STEM Education programs. Georgia Technology Student Association (TSA) chapters prepare students to be successful inventors, designers, creative problem solvers, responsible citizens and leaders who will influence and build the future.

Anti-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of the Georgia Technology Student Association not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, citizenship, gender, pregnancy, childbirth, or other related conditions, national origin, religion, military or veteran status, political opinion or affiliations, genetic information, or age in its employment practices.

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