Advocating for International Education

AWISA, January 2008Masaru Kibukawa, Cascadia Community College

Kelley Osmanbhoy, University of Washington

Agenda

• Why Advocate?• How to Advocate• NAFSA Resources• Reminders• Question and Answer

Why Advocate?

BECAUSE IT WORKS!

YOU are the expert – share your expertise

NAFSA Successes

• Spanish Visa Issues, 2005• Lincoln Study Abroad Act of 2006• State Level Resolutions• Simon Study Abroad Act of 2007

Over 4500 letters and phone calls were

made to Congress on these and other issues.

Collectively, we have a STRONG voice.

How to Advocate: Tips

10.Research the member of Congress

11.Relate the issue back to the district

12.You’re the expert, talk about what you know – but no jargon

13.Have an ask and provide accurate and relevant information to support your ask

6. Know both sides of the issue

5. Personalize your communication

6. Be concise but thorough

7. Use an integrated approach

8. Say thank you

9. Focus on building a relationship with the member’s office

*Be Confident!*

NAFSA Resources

• ACT• Advocacy Day• State Whips

Advocacy Centered Team (ACT)

Members and non-members may join ACT.

Many FREE resources are available on the NAFSA site:

-Statistics

-Congressional contact information

-Advocacy handbook

-Sample letters

State Whips

Three main goals of the State Whip Network:

1. Build relationships2. Increase international education

activism3. Provide training

WA State Whip: Masaru KibukawaWA State Deputy Whip: Mariah OrtizAdvocacy Day Trained NAFSAn: Kelley Osmanbhoy

Call to Action

• Sign-up for ACT today (www.nafsa.org) and begin contacting your legislators!

• Participate in Advocacy Day, March 11-12

• Contact Masaru (masaru.kibukawa@yahoo.com) to join a WA state effort to pass a state resolution in support of international education

Q & A