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 staff members Edwin Koc and Matthew Brink presented on the NACE First-Destination Survey initiative to members of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) at the AIR Forum 2016 in May. Processes for collecting and reporting data, implementation, and preliminary outcomes for the Class of 2015 are among the items shared at the presentations. The forum draws approximately 2,000 AIR members.
NACE staff members Matthew Brink and Ed Koc discussed career readiness with leaders from two higher education associations in April 2016.
In August 2013, in response to the request for comments about the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), NACE provided its observations and perspectives to the Education and Workforce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.
In August 2014, NACE Executive Director Marilyn Mackes provided comments to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions regarding the Higher Education Affordability Act.
In February 2015, NACE responded the Department of Education’s call for comments on the DOE’s new system of college ratings.
In August, NACE Executive Director Marilyn Mackes provided the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with comments on the Reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act on behalf of the association.
In September 2017, NACE staff met with public policy leaders in Washington, DC, to discuss higher education and work-related issues.
In spring 2018, NACE staff and leaders met with a variety of public policy and higher education leaders in Washington, D.C.
NACE staff met with association and public policy leaders in Washington, D.C., in fall 2018 to discuss a range of topics.
In spring 2019, NACE representatives met legislative staff and public policy leaders in Washington, D.C., to discuss a range of issues affecting higher education and employment, including reauthorization of the HEA, College Transparency Act, and Classroom to Careers Act.