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

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

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

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

2009 Public Policy Successes

• Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act reintroduced

• President Obama supports international education

• State Department announcement regarding visa applications

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

Legislative Issues

• Simon Study Abroad Act

• Immigration Reform

It’s a process

• Legislation doesn’t pass overnight

• Can take years to get passed

• Takes patience and persistence

NAFSA Grassroots Tools

How to Get Involved

• Take Action

• Register for ACT

• Blog

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Advocacy Day 2010

Take Action Center

Advocacy Centered Team

NAFSA Blog

Simon Facebook

Twitter

Advocacy Day

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

Questions