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, 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.

  2. 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.

  3. NACE Provides Comments to DOE on Proposed Changes to HEA Repayment Plan

    NACE joined other higher ed associations to provide comments to the U.S. Department of Education on the proposed changes to the REPAYE income-driven repayment plan under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA).

  4. NACE Provides Comments to DHS on USCIS Proposed Rule

    NACE joined other higher ed associations to provide comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding a proposed rule to adjust certain fees charged by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

  5. Collecting Graduating Student Outcomes:First-Destination Survey Initiative for the Class of 2014

    For the first time, NACE-member colleges and universities have the opportunity to collect and report graduate outcomes data using the same definitions, time frames, and parameters. More than 250 institutions have indicated they plan to collect and report outcomes data for Class of 2014 graduates using the NACE First-Destination Survey Standards and Protocols, and others are expected to take part. The aggregated data will provide for trends analysis.

  6. NACE Hosts Higher Education Policy Briefing for Policy Makers, Higher Ed Representatives

    NACE hosted a higher education policy briefing in Washington, D.C., on February 26, 2015, for policy makers and representatives of higher education associations.

  7. Mackes Discusses Higher Education Legislation With Congresswoman Foxx

    NACE Executive Director Marilyn Mackes met with U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R – NC, to discuss pending legislation affecting the profession

  8. NACE Responds to U.S. Department of Education’s Announcement of Plan to Drop College Ratings

    On June 25, the Department of Education (DOE) announced it was dropping its plan to compare or “rate” colleges.

  9. Perspectives on the New College Scorecard

    On September 12, 2015, the Department of Education (DOE) issued its long-awaited update for the College Scorecard.

  10. NACE Leaders Discuss STEM OPT, HEA, Career Readiness in D.C.

    On January 20, 2016, NACE leaders met with representatives from NAFSA and AASCU to discuss STEM OPT, reauthorization of HEA, and career readiness.