1. Advocating for a State-Level International Education Resolution Why bother? How do I do it? What can be done with it? Last Updated: November 2007

2. Understand the strategic importance of securing state-level resolutions which support international education Know how to advocate for a resolution in your state Objectives

3. Post- 9/11, NAFSAns wanted to respond to the challenging international education environment by highlighting the positive impact exchanges and study abroad had on students, schools and the economy A resolution is a non-binding legislative document which expresses a legislative body’s position on a specific matter It is an effective advocacy tool at local and state levels Collectively, the state resolutions will serve as a springboard for: 1) seeking state policies on international education, and 2) gathering support for a U.S. policy on international education NAFSA’s Goal: To have resolutions passed in 25 states by the 2008 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Rational and Background

4. States with passed resolutions: 13 States with NAFSAns seeking resolutions: ~16 Current Status

5. Resolution can be used as advocacy tool to buffer against local, state or national legislation which does not support international education Ex: Texas NAFSAn invited by the Director of Texas Homeland Security to join the Critical Infrastructure Protection Council as it addresses the REAL ID issue Builds relationships with key state officials and legislators Ex: The Directors of the Arkansas Departments of Higher Education and Commerce attended the Arkansas International Educators State Meeting in April 2007 Why Bother? Concrete Outcomes

6. Encourages activities that support international education exchange. Ex: Both Nevada and California included their resolution text into their respective state’s master education plan; Indiana legislator met exchange partners at the State Capitol Great professional development opportunity for all participants Ex: Advocates enjoyed learning about policymaking, and strengthening relationships within their institution and with NAFSAns across their state Why Bother? Concrete Outcomes cont...

7. Texas’ Top Ten Tips 1.Work with your institution’s government relations officer 2.Create strategic partnerships and gain support from various constituencies 3.Create an ad hoc committee to write the proposal 4. “THE ASK”: Seek out a state legislator who sits on a key committee to introduce your proposal as a resolution 5. Talk to your own district legislator, even if they don’t serve on a key committee How to Secure a Resolution

8. Texas’ Top Ten Tips 6. Make the effort to meet your legislators in person before or during your proposal submission 7.Plan ahead: Aim to submit your proposal at the start of your state’s 2008 legislative session in January 8.Don’t worry about writing your proposal in “bill language” 9.Always include an economic impact statement and study abroad stats. 10.Have fun! How to Secure a Resolution cont..

9. Use it when speaking with state and national legislators about NAFSA advocacy alerts, immigration reform, visa concerns, and the Simon Study Abroad Act. Begin sharing it with key decision-makers “at home”. Try to get as many original copies in the hands of the international educators in your state as you can. Send a letter and a copy to every national legislator from your state during IEW. What Can Be Done With It?

10. Meet with your government relations people on campus to find common ground and seek guidance. Make sure every study abroad and international student and scholar has access to a copy. Work with your DMV to see how the REAL ID act is going to affect your state, and how you can partner in this effort, given the contents of the resolution. Use it to advocate expanding your role in your institution, as well as getting the staffing, budget and space that you need. What Can Be Done With It? cont....

11. www.nafsa.org/statelevel www.nafsa.org/resolutionresources www.nafsa.org/advocacyhandbook Your state legislature’s website Filmona Hailemichael, NAFSA filmonah@nafsa.org; (202) 737-3699 ext. 258 * Contact Filmona to find out who in your state is actively seeking a resolution or for information on how you can spearhead your state’s efforts. Dr. Adria L. Baker, Rice University abaker@rice.edu; (713) 348-6095 DeDe Long, University of Arkansas dslong@uark.edu, (479) 575-7582 Resources