What is Advocacy?

Advocacy is the process of educating and persuading people to support an issue or cause.

NACE advocates on behalf of its membership and the profession on issues related to the career development and employment of the college educated work force. Through its efforts, the association works to educate members regarding legislative and 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.

Why is Advocacy important?

Failure to engage maintains the status quo and can even result in a loss of resources (budget cuts) or the creation of federal policies that negatively impact your work.

Policymakers are not experts on every issue. They depend on the experience and expertise of their constituents to help them make informed decisions and create positive change. 

How Does NACE Determine Issues for Advocacy?

See our advocacy and policy phliosophy and assessment tool.

The U.S. Capitol.

Lobbying vs Advocacy

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.

How we currently advocate

Our Focus

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

Not Our Focus

Lobby and work to pass legislation

Set up meetings with government officials for members

Organize and lead coalitions

NACE Advocacy Committee 

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.

Process & Proceedings

  • Monthly meetings
  • Written and oral public policy updates are provided during each meeting
  • Deep dive discussions related to public policy issues
  • Advocacy Action Team to deliberate and weigh in on NACE's response to sign-ons

NACE Policy Priorities

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 Position Statements

  1. NACE Supports Tax Proposals Tied to American Jobs and American Families Plans

    NACE and the Washington Higher Education Secretariat urged House and Senate leaders to include a variety of tax proposals into legislation that incorporates the American Jobs and American Families plans.

  2. NACE Calls on U.S. Congress to Investigate and Address Threats to HBCUs

    The National Association of Colleges and Employers joined with more than 50 higher education associations in calling on the U.S. Congress to take immediate action to investigate and address the threats made to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

  3. NACE Issues Comments on Proposed Fee Increased to Nonimmigrant Visa Applications

    The National Association of Colleges and Employers and its partners in the Washington Higher Education Secretariat issued comments to the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State regarding proposed adjustments to the fees associated with several nonimmigrant visa applications, including F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitors.

  4. NACE Supports Open Academic Inquiry and Debate on Campus

    NACE joined with its partners in the Washington Higher Education Secretariat in issuing a statement supporting free and open academic inquiry and debate on campus.

  5. NACE and Higher Ed Partners Provide Recommendations for Final COMPETES Act Bill

    As part of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, the National Association of Colleges and Employers signed on to a letter to U.S. Senate and House leadership regarding development of a final bill based on S.1260 (the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act – USICA) and HR.4521 (the COMPETES Act of 2022). The letter cites issues with and provides recommendations around new research security provisions, reporting requirements, workforce development programs, international education programs, and STEM immigration provisions.

  6. NACE Joins With Coalition to Urge Congress to Support Mental Health Legislation

    The National Association of Colleges and Employers joined with nearly 100 organizations to urge Congress to support and prioritize the mental and behavioral health needs of students of higher education through meaningful legislation.

  7. NACE Comments on Proposed Changes to Title IX Regulations

    In September 2022 and two separate letters, the National Association of Colleges provided comments to the Department of Education (DOE) with comments about proposed changes to Title IX regulations.

  8. NACE, Other Higher Ed Associations Issue Joint Statement on Transcript Withholding Policies

    In October 2022, the National Association of Colleges and Employers joined with other higher education associations in issuing a statement calling for clear, fair transcript withholding policies.

  9. NACE, Other Higher Ed Associations Urge Congress to Provide Permanent Protection for Dreamers

    In October 2022, the National Association of Colleges and Employers joined with other higher education associations in issuing a statement calling for clear, fair transcript withholding policies.

  10. NACE Urges VA to Delay Transition to New Enrollment Management System

    As part of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, urged the Department of Veterans Affairs to delay transition to a new enrollment management system until summer 2023.