Advocacy to Engage

Being a part of the National Affiliate program is about more than “what you get”—it’s a commitment to action. National Affiliate districts receive a rich array of information and supports on federal legislative and legal issues designed to support their engagement in grassroots efforts to influence federal policy.  National Affiliate districts complement the first-line efforts of the Federal Relations Network members and state association government relations staff in support of NSBA’s national advocacy agenda. They are engaged in grassroots efforts to ensure the school board voice is heard in Washington, D.C. 

• The National Affiliate Advocacy Network (NAAN): National Affiliate Advocacy Network, includes the school board president or another board representative as a key advocacy contact for the district.
• Call to Action activities designed to connect National Affiliates with their representatives on important national issues.
• Monthly National Affiliate Advocacy Videocast - a monthly 8-10 minute briefing of important advocacy issues designed to be played during board meetings or by individuals that just want to be informed.  
• Analysis of both legislative and legal efforts currently underway sent to National Affiliate Advocacy Network participants. 
• Participation on special committees that focus on key issues (such as pre-K) with in-depth information and advocacy training.
• Keeping districts informed about the latest cases working through the federal court system that could have an impact on the way districts operate. 

Benefits to National Affiliate Districts

While the National Affiliate program is valuable to all districts, it is especially appealing to districts heavily impacted by federal policy regarding issues such as Title I. Through the engagement of board and district leaders, the National Affiliate program ensures that congressional representatives and Department of Education officials have a clear picture of the challenges faced by local districts as they consider federal policy. NSBA is advocating on issues that impact all districts, such as more funding for IDEA and the ESEA reauthorization and have been successful in getting the Education Jobs Bill passed saving 168,000 teaching jobs, Economic Stimulus money for schools and Medicaid money for schools.