1. Washington Update: International Education and Advocacy
Steve Bell Old Dominion University
Interim Executive Director, International Programs
Director, Study Abroad
Kari Lantos NAFSA
Manager, Grassroots Outreach
Fanta Aw American University
Assistant Vice President, Campus Life
Director, International Student and Scholar Services
*Welcome audience
*Introduce session title and presenters
*Inform audience that session will focus on National Advocacy. State level advocacy is not part of session.
*Explain that NAFSA has put advocacy at the forefront of its work.
*Ask audience……
Why did you come to this session?
Why is advocacy important to you?

2. What is Grassroots Advocacy?
We all have a role to play
Passion for Issue
Activating Members
Constituent Influence
No Special Skills
Skills Can Be Learned
On-Going Process
Many Ways to Be Active
Steve’s transition from why me to why not me (in terms of advocacy)
We all have a role to play
Passion for Issue
Activating Members
Constituent Influence
No Special Skills
Skills Can Be Learned
On-Going Process
Many Ways to Be Active

3. 2007 Public Policy Successes
House and Senate reintroduce the Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act
Unanimous passage in the House of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act of 2007
NAFSA participates in immigration reform debate

4. 2008 Public Policy Successes
OPT extended for STEM students
NAFSA’s outreach to presidential candidates
Representatives from major campaigns participate in annual conference panel
“Stand Up for Simon” advocacy campaign
ACTION Act of 2008 introduced in the Senate
NLGA passes resolution supporting an U.S. International Education policy

5. 2009 Public Policy Successes
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act reintroduced
President Obama supports international education
State Department announcement regarding visa applications

6. Who Else is Lobbying Congress?
As of September 30, 2009:
14,847 registered lobbyists
5,700 registered lobbying organizations
Representing just over 20,000 clients

8. Legislative Issues
Simon Study Abroad Act
Immigration Reform

9. It’s a process Legislation doesn’t pass overnight
Can take years to get passed
Takes patience and persistence

10. NAFSA Grassroots Tools

11. How to Get Involved Take Action Register for ACT Blog Facebook Twitter
Advocacy Day 2010
*Kari to make screen shots.

12. Take Action Center

13. Advocacy Centered Team

14. NAFSA Blog

15. Simon Facebook

16. Twitter

17. Advocacy Day

18. Recruiting More Supporters?
Think about people who benefit from legislation you’re writing on
Think about people who come in contact with your international and study abroad students
Include faculty, colleagues, students, alumni, host parents, study abroad parents, etc.
IEW events
Study Abroad Re-entry Conferences
Ask audience….
Who are potential supporters of International Education issues?
Who benefits from International Education legislation?
Who comes in contact with your international and study abroad students?
What about faculty, colleagues, students, alumni, host parents, study abroad parents, etc.?
How do we get people involved?
What about doing advocacy at….
*IEW events
*Study Abroad Re-entry Conferences

19. Questions