Those who can, advocate for CTE!

DeWitt, Stephen

THOSE OF US WHO WORK IN WASHINGTON, DC, often hear the qt test ions: do you do it? How do YOU work in Washington?" Admittedly, the political atmosphere can be draining at times; yet, I do believe that many Members of Congress and their staff are truly interested in better understanding an issue and improving policy.

CTE advocates can definitely make an impact on the decision-making process at the federal level. Here are four reasons wily:

* You are an educator. I know that educators do not receive the respect they deserve, but judging from poll data, Members of Congress receive even less. My point is that the general public perceives Congress as disconnected and removed. Help educate your federal representatives and remind them that you will help them to be better informed and connected. You have the power to teach them about what is happening in a real school, and if your CTE program is engaging students, helping them to graduate and moving them on to postsecondary education or the workplace, your story is strong. Be the educator you are. Educate policymakers about CTE and what is needed from federal policies.

* You have the evidence. Data tells a story, and it's important to use as much positive data as you can to support your advocacy: but you have something else which provides firsthand evidence: a program, school or institution with live students! Invite a Member of Congress to visit your classroom, or if that is too challenging, send the Member a video clip demonstrating a point you want to make--whether that be the need for up-to-date equipment, or students telling, in their own words, the reasons GTE has impacted them in a positive way. I have seen school visits change opinions and beliefs within minutes--no lie!

* You are a constituent. As we often say, ACTE staff can be on Capitol Hill every day, but it means nothing if CTE educators are not also visiting and communicating with Congress. Staff in congressional offices are very concerned about representing the views of their constituents--not those of individuals outside the district or state they serve. In fact, many offices ill not meet with ACTE staff because they do not represent. us. "They represent you. Make sure they are representing you accurately!

* You have connections. You may be only one person, but you have a network of friends and colleagues who you can activate to carry your message. There is strength in numbers. Encourage your fellow educators to advocate for CTE, tell your local newspaper about visits with Members of Congress or write a letter to the editor. Members of Congress will take notice if they know you are activated and encouraging other constituents to advocate on the same issue.

Spring is always a busy time on Capitol Hill, and this year is no exception. But it is also a great time to contact congressional offices as they begin to delve more deeply into work now that the elections and inaugural events are behind them.

Don't get frustrated by the political machine of Washington. Don't buy into the message that it is useless to try to affect policy development and voting in the nation's capital. Work to build a meaningful, professional relationship With the individuals in Washington who serve you and your students. Teach a policymaker; do it today!

You can read more about ACTE's policy activities and the latest happenings in Washington, DC, on ACTE's CTE Policy Watch blog. Check it out today at www.acteonline.org/ctepolicywatchblog.aspx

Stephen DeWitt is senior director of public policy at ACTE. He can be contacted at sdewitt@acteonline.org.