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.
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.
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.
Career Development and Readiness
Ensuring career services and career development programs across education and workforce systems. This includes the integration of career readiness in educational curricula, co-curricular activities and through workforce development and talent management programs.
Skills-Based Education and Hiring
Building educational experiences, training programs, and hiring practices that emphasize skills building and knowledge acquisition that are practical and transferable, including competency development, articulation and assessment.
Experiential Education and Learning
Promoting and expanding experiential learning opportunities to provide for career exploration and to meet the demands of the labor market. This includes expanded work-based learning programs, paid internships, practicums, apprenticeships, project-based learning, credential obtainment, and continued education.
Global Talent
Expanding pathways and opportunities for global talent to participate in and contribute to our education-to-work pipelines.
Affordable Education
Ensuring that post-secondary education and training is accessible and affordable for all learners.
NACE Position Statements
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.