AACTE Day on the Hill – Come Join the Advocacy Fun!
Why bother engaging in advocacy?
As we say on AACTE’s Advocacy Center: “It sounds funny, but at least where public policy is concerned, it’s true: If you are not at the table, you are probably on the menu. The educator preparation profession engages in advocacy to help shape policy that will affect the field. While AACTE advocates on behalf of the profession at the federal level, your voice as a constituent is also critical – in Washington, DC, as well as in state and local issues.”
So how do you get started? I suggest joining us at AACTE’s Day on the Hill, June 6-7.
This popular event, which is a core component of AACTE’s Washington Week, entails a full day of orientation followed by a trip to the halls of Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of the profession. If you are still in town at the end of the second day, we gather at a local watering hole to debrief together.
The orientation includes presentations from congressional staff, PK-12 partners, national organizations, and AACTE members and staff on how to effectively advocate and build relationships with senators and representatives. You’ll also have time to network with colleagues from around the nation and to caucus with fellow residents of your state.
I am excited to share that this year, we are opening Day on the Hill registration to nonmembers as well as AACTE members, to help broaden your ability to advocate with various allies. As always, we encourage you to bring your teacher candidates and PK-12 partners along, to inform members of Congress on the full spectrum that is the education profession.
Register today! Visit our website for links to AACTE Day on the Hill registration, agenda and hotel information, and more. The hotel block closes May 12, so be sure to book your room before then.
Remember, if you are a Holmes Program student attending the Holmes Summer Policy Institute, you still need to register for Day on the Hill (even though it’s free with your institute registration). And if you are attending the State Leaders Institute and also register for Day on the Hill, you receive a 15% discount.
For questions or more information on Day on the Hill and its programming, contact me at dkoolbeck@aacte.org. For questions about the Holmes Summer Policy Institute, contact Tim Finklea at tfinklea@aacte.org. For questions about registration or the hotel, contact Christine Tambini at ctambini@aacte.org. For questions about the State Leaders Institute, contact Sungti Hsu at shsu@aacte.org.
See you in June!
Tags: advocacy, events, federal issues, membership
