Lobbying is one form of advocacy, comprising efforts to influence specific legislation with legislators and their staff.
Advocacy covers a much broader range of activities such as influencing executive branch actions to implement the laws and public education.
One way of differentiating between the two terms is to understand that lobbying always involves advocacy but advocacy does not necessarily involve lobbying.
Provide resources, toolkits, and trainings for members
Research-based content submission
Campaign, e.g., write op-eds, run social media campaigns
Write position and policy statements
Participate in coalitions (ACE; WHES)
Meet with government officials
Participate in and organize public sessions
Letter and position statement sign-ons
Lobby and work to pass legislation
Set up meetings with government officials for members
Organize and lead coalitions
The Advocacy Advisory Committee takes the lead in identifying core issues for the profession; educates members regarding legislative and/or regulatory matters that may impact the profession; and advocates before governmental officials and the public for outcomes that best support the interests of NACE members and the profession. This includes issues of equity and inclusion in higher education, the workplace, and workforce development.
The Advocacy Advisory Committee considers issues of importance and advises on such issues to the membership. The committee ensures the association is appropriately representing the membership in legislative affairs and determines appropriate ways to communicate on behalf of and to the membership. Where needed, the committee will evaluate, and if appropriate, recommend positions and/or action on significant unanticipated issues brought by the membership.
Learn more about NACE's advocacy priorities for higher ed and employment policies, legislation, and regulations.
Pell Grants
Increased support for two-year colleges
Internships
Classroom to Careers Act
College Transparency Act
DACA Legislative Solution
International Student Status and Processing
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Pay Equity
NACE condemns ICE’s ruling regarding international students who, as determined by their colleges and universities in response to the public health crisis, may need to take courses online and urges ICE to reconsider its ruling.
In partnership with nearly 100 higher education associations and organizations, NACE sent a letter to acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf opposing ICE’s July 5 guidance on international students and asking that the administration reconsider its position.
NACE, as part of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, signed on to a letter calling on President Trump to withdraw Executive Order 13950.
NACE joined with more than 50 other higher education associations in communicating to President Biden the higher ed community’s willingness to help with the administration’s COVID-19 response efforts.
In a January 28, 2021, letter to Acting Secretary of Education Phil Rosenfelt, NACE, along with more than 50 other associations in the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, asked that the Depart of Education clarify that Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) funds can be used to help all students, including undocumented and DACA recipients.
NACE, as part of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat (WHES), encouraged U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to support international students and restore the United States as a destination of choice for international students and scholars. The January 27, 2021, letter outlined several actions Secretary Blinken could take in his role.
In a January 26, 2021, letter to David Peske, Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, NACE, along with the American Council on Education and more than 50 other higher education associations in the Washington Higher Education Secretariat (WHES), expressed concerns about delays in Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorizations.
NACE, along with more than 50 other higher education associations that form the Washington Higher Education Secretariat (WHES), asked the U.S. Department of State to provide a briefing on the implications Presidential Proclamation 10043.
NACE, in conjunction with more than 50 other associations in the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, provided comments to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, on improving enforcement of Title IX.
In a June 11 letter to the chairs of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committee, NACE and its partners in the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, asked for federal support for a range of programs and services affecting higher education and the workforce.