Local school board members are encouraged to take advantage of the National School Boards Association’s Advocacy Institute this year. The event can help local school leaders gain a keen understanding of why effective advocacy is required on the national level as well as on the local level.
The program provides an opportunity to meet with U.S. senators and the state’s congressional leaders. This year, New Jersey has three new congressional representatives whom board members will have the opportunity to meet on the last day of the conference, known as the “Day on the Hill.” The new members are Donald Norcross of the 1st legislative district, Thomas MacArthur of the 3rd legislative district, and Bonnie Watson Coleman of the 12th legislative district.
The conference will take place Feb. 1-3 at the centrally located Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C., just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol, Penn Quarter, D.C. City Center, and the Verizon Center.
This event will enable school board members to:
- Develop a winning strategy in Washington. Combining the strength of federal, legal, and public advocacy can achieve greater results.
- Learn how to tell a school district’s story. Discover why in-person visits on the Hill grow a board member’s influence.
- Expand their advocacy network, and interact with top legal, legislative, and public advocacy experts.
Program Highlights Join NSBA’s general counsel, Francisco Negron, and his legal team for a dynamic conversation about the NSBA pushback against the federal intrusion and what your school district can do to navigate the administration’s expanded efforts to drive local school board decisions.
Capitol Hill staff and NSBA legislative staff will discuss the best ways to establish and sustain an effective year-round relationship with your members of Congress.
Attendees will learn proactive steps to engage with reporters and how establishing these relationships can offer valuable “safe harbor” during a crisis.
More information and highlights of the Advocacy Institute are available at http://nsba.org/events/advocacy-institute/advocacy-institute-agenda.
For more information about the conference, please contact Sharon Seyler, NJSBA legislative advocate.