YOUR VOICE

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YOUR VOICE!

• Government Relations 101

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WHAT THE HECK IS GRAC?

• GRAC
• Government Relations Advisory Committee
• There are two components to the government
  relations network the national Government
  Relations Committee and the twenty three S/R
  government relations chairs.

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WHY IS GRAC IMPORTANT?

• In 2002, NACAC adopted a new strategic plan.
  Major themes of the strategic plan related to
  government relations and public advocacy. These
  principles are the basis for much of NACACs
  public policy initiatives, but also illustrate
  how government relations and advocacy are central
  to NACACs operational strategies.
• Taken from NACAC Government Relations Advocacy
  Handbook

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• GRAC gives us a formal network through which to
  channel our voices!

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More Importantly

• We give a VOICE to our students who often have no
  voice in state and federal government.
• Advocacy is a fundamental role of KASCAC and
  NACAC!

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But, excuse me

• I dont know anything about politics or
  government!
• I dont know the issues or the arguments on both
  sides!

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• OUR VOICES ARE
• IMPORTANT
• RELEVANT
• AND
• INFORMED!
• WE ARE THE EXPERTS!

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We are also

• Constituents
• Voters
• Taxpayers
• Citizens
• Educators
• Parents
• Students

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• OUR VOICES ARE
• IMPORTANT
• RELEVANT
• AND
• INFORMED!

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NACACs Role

• Each year NACACs public policy staff compiles
  three to four research-based policy
  recommendations.
• These are typically things that we know
  intuitively. NACAC puts the research and data
  behind them and articulates them into legislative
  priorities.

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• As the experts, we give life, stories and depth
  to these priorities. We give a voice and a face
  to the students and counselors (on both sides of
  the table) that are affected by legislation.

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Priority 1 Access to College Counseling

• To increase access to college counseling, a
  crucial component of college preparation and
  success, NACAC members recommend increasing
  federal support for the following efforts GEAR
  UP, TRIO, Elementary and Secondary School
  Counseling Program and other programs that
  improve access to school counselors in schools
  with high need.

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Priority 2 Rigorous Curriculum for All Students

• Given the small share of education funding
  provided by the federal government, NACAC
  recommends that Congress use legislative tools to
  encourage innovative approaches in the states to
  improve access to rigorous curriculum for all
  students.

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Priority 3 Need Based-Financial Aid

• Need-based financial aid programs are among the
  most successful federal programs today.
  Continued investment in these programs and a more
  efficient, streamlined application process are
  critical to ensure access to and success in
  postsecondary education for all students.

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• State Issues
• 2006 Legislative Session

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What can I do?

• Be aware
• Read your local paper
• Watch your local news
• Know who your elected officials are
• Local
• State
• Federal

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What can I do?

• Join the NACAC List-Serv
• Get weekly updates
• Respond to Access Alerts
• Email the KY GRAC when you read/hear about higher
  education issues
• Join the Government Relations Committee