1. Advocacy & You Stephen Payne NJASFAA

2. Agenda Advocacy 101 Congressional Overview NASFAA and Advocacy
NASFAA Advocacy Resources
Fight for Financial Aid Campaign
Advocacy and You!

3. Advocacy 101: What is advocacy?
the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal; the act or process of advocating something
advocacy
a person who argues for or supports a cause or policy
advocate

4. First Amendment Roots
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

5. Why does advocacy matter?
With Congress consistently caught in gridlock, it’s more important than ever to make sure your voice is heard in policy debates, especially on issues that could affect you on a daily basis.
Members of Congress and their staff are most interested in the day-to-day concerns of their constituents in their state or district.

6. Advocacy Basics
Advocacy is not always lobbying, but lobbying is always advocacy.
You don’t need to be in Washington, D.C., to be an effective advocate.
Advocacy can and should be proactive and reactive.
Effective advocacy uses data, research, and stories.

7. 5 Effective Advocacy Tips
Keep it local.
Keep it personal.
Keep their position in mind.
Keep it factual.
Keep in touch.

8. Being an Effective Advocate

9. Being an Effective Advocate

10. Being an Effective Advocate

11. Congressional Overview

12. Washington Political Climate
Gridlock with minor issues disrupting entire process
Partisanship
Deficit Reduction
Budget Politics Dictating Policy
New Faces

13. Congressional Approval Numbers

14. NASFAA and Advocacy

15. What does NASFAA do in Advocacy?
Distributes Original Research from NASFAA Task Force and Working Group Reports and Papers
Advocates for NASFAA members with Congress, the Administration, and Department of Education
Participates in Coalition Groups and Associations
Holds Briefings for Congressional Staff on Student Aid Issues
Organizes Advocacy Pipelines and related D.C. Visits

16. What do we advocate?
Our advocacy efforts center around these major policy areas:
Increasing access to higher education, including early awareness and outreach 
Simplifying student aid systems  
Encouraging college persistence & completion
Promoting college savings and financial education
Minimizing student indebtedness and emphasizing grant and work aid
Supporting the primacy of need-based aid

17. NASFAA’s Advocacy Audience
Administration
White House
Department of Education
Office of Management and Budget
Congress
House & Senate Education Committees
House & Senate Appropriations Committees
House & Senate Budget Committees
Other Members of the House and Senate
Other Higher Education Associations & Organizations

18. NASFAA Advocacy Resources
How can we help you?
Personal Advocacy Support & Guidance for you, your institution, and your state & regional associations
Continuous Up-to-Date Information
Readily-Available Materials

19. NASFAA Online Resources
NASFAA Legislative Tracker
Comprehensive list of all student aid-related legislation introduced in this session of Congress
Organized by subject area
The Capitol Recap
Monthly series in Today’s News that lists and summarizes newly-introduced legislation

20. NASFAA Online Resources
Federal Budget & Appropriations Page
Interactive chart on the federal budget process
Budget and appropriations news archive from Today’s News
Off the Cuff Podcast
Weekly podcast with NASFAA staff and friends on student aid policy

21. NASFAA Online Resources
Advocacy Resources Page
One pagers and handouts on several topics for use during Hill Visits or other advocacy outreach

22. Fight for Financial Aid

23. Fight for Financial Aid
Following the release of the Trump budget and in anticipation of budget battles in Congress, NASFAA launched a new advocacy campaign, “Fight for Financial Aid.”

24. Fight for Financial Aid
Our Budget Effect Estimator (BEE) tool can help you, your students, and your campus colleagues advocate on the importance of the student aid programs.

29. Other #Fight4FinAid Resources
Fight for Financial Aid Organizing Guide
Learn about forming coalitions, getting the word out, connecting with your Member of Congress, and holding an event
Budget News and Fact Sheets

30. #Fight4FinAid Ways to get involved:
Like the page on Facebook (facebook.com/Fight4FinAid)!
Tweet using the hashtag #fight4finaid!
Host an event!
Keep an eye on Today’s News for opportunities to grow the campaign!

31. Advocacy and You: What Can You Do?
Volunteer!
Advocacy Pipeline
Task Force or Working Group
Write and Visit Your Member of Congress
Share your advocacy efforts with NASFAA, so we can support and assist you in your efforts.
Stay Informed on What’s Happening
Read NASFAA’s Today’s News and Policy and Advocacy Webpages on nasfaa.org

32. R2T4 Pell Make your voice heard! Verification FSEOG Loan Limits
Allocation Formula
R2T4
Verification
FAFSA Simplification
Loan Limits
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Origination Fees
There are many issues that affect the students and families you work with everyday. Chose one or two—or more—and communicate your thoughts and ideas. Congressional staff only know about issues or problems if you tell them. NASFAA can’t meet with all 535 offices. It only takes a small effort, and your small effort can make a big difference for your profession!
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