The cause of adult education and literacy requires dedicated champions in Congress—legislators who will actively advocate for our cause and champion policies that support our mission. These legislators play a crucial role in co-sponsoring legislation, endorsing dear colleague letters, making strategic calls and writing letters, and ultimately, securing increased funding for adult education and literacy initiatives. As advocates, it’s imperative that we play our part in nurturing such allies among our lawmakers.
Your Role as a Constituent
As constituents, we hold significant sway over our legislators. They rely on our input to accurately represent our interests and concerns in Congress. Therefore, it’s essential to establish ourselves as reliable resources on adult education and literacy issues within our communities.
How to Connect with Legislators
Building a constructive dialogue with legislators involves connecting adult education and literacy with their priorities and interests. By aligning our advocacy efforts with their key issues, we can effectively capture their attention and support. Here are some strategies for crafting compelling advocacy messages tailored to legislators’ concerns:
- Create Effective Hooks: Research your legislators’ backgrounds, committee affiliations, and interests to identify relevant issues. Craft messages that resonate with their priorities, such as job creation, economic competitiveness, business growth, healthcare, education, and immigration reform. For example, highlight how adult education improves workforce skills, boosts economic competitiveness, reduces welfare dependency, and enhances public health.
- Share Needs and Successes: Communicate the magnitude of the need for adult education and literacy, backed by compelling data and personal success stories. Emphasize the positive impact of adult education on individuals and communities, showcasing tangible outcomes and achievements.
- Make an “Ask”: Don’t hesitate to make specific requests or “Asks” to legislators, seeking their support or engagement on adult education and literacy issues. Whether it’s inviting them to visit programs, serve on boards, write articles, or promote lifelong learning, ensure that your Ask is clear and actionable.
- Cinch the Commitment: Follow up on your Ask, providing additional resources and support as needed. Express gratitude for their time and support, and keep them informed of developments in adult education and literacy initiatives. Reporting back to advocacy network leaders ensures that leads are followed up on at the national level.
In advocating for adult education and literacy, every message we convey to legislators carries the potential to drive meaningful change. By crafting persuasive messages that resonate with legislators’ priorities and concerns, we can effectively engage them as allies and champions for our cause. Together, let’s continue to amplify our voices and mobilize support for policies and initiatives that advance adult education and literacy across our nation.