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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.