萌妹社

It sounds funny, but at least where public policy is concerned, it鈥檚 true:聽If you are not at the table, you are probably on the menu.

The educator preparation profession engages in advocacy to help shape policy that will affect the field. While 萌妹社 advocates on behalf of the profession at the federal level,聽your voice as a constituent聽is also critical 鈥� in Washington, DC, as well as in state and local issues.

Without your input 鈥渁t the table,鈥� competing interests are more likely to sway policy makers鈥� decisions 鈥� which may end up placing your own interests 鈥渙n the menu.鈥�

Advocacy is activity in support of a particular cause or policy. Any engagement can be helpful, but successful advocacy is characterized by long-term relationship-building. Establishing and sustaining connections with policy makers, agency leaders, and even the media can position you as a trusted expert, and developing alliances with other education stakeholders can help you support and amplify each other鈥檚 messages.

Explore the federal and state advocacy links: you鈥檒l find many resources, including downloadable policy guides and hyperlinks to key government sites to support your work or just to build your advocacy knowledge and skills.

Read back issues of 鈥�萌妹社 Talks Policy鈥�: This bi-weekly newsletter for all 萌妹社 members is your go-to source for the latest federal and state policy news affecting educator preparation. If it doesn鈥檛 yet come to your inbox, sign up to receive it.

Attend Washington Week: Every spring, 萌妹社 members gather in Washington, DC to learn about the latest federal policy issues, hone their advocacy skills, and make their case directly to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Connect with your state organization: 萌妹社鈥檚 network of affiliated state organizations are the voice of educator preparation in state capitols around the country. Use the state organization map to get connected.

Check back often for new information: as the policy landscape often shifts rapidly. 萌妹社 will help you stay nimble and ready to engage on behalf of your programs and the profession.