Advocacy and Legislative Issues Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to provide financial aid professionals in Illinois with the resources they need to engage in advocacy effectively. It includes information on how to connect with legislators, understand state and federal financial aid policies, and participate in regulatory processes.
Use the drop-down menu below to access different sections of the toolkit.
Understanding Advocacy
Advocacy involves influencing public policies, laws, and funding decisions that impact students and institutions. Financial aid professionals are in a unique position to advocate for policies that promote student success and accessibility.
Why Financial Aid Professionals Should Advocate
- Influence policies that shape student access to higher education.
- Reduce administrative burdens that limit efficiency.
- Secure funding for need-based grants and scholarships.
Common Issues / Reasons to Advocate in Financial Aid
- State Funding for Higher Education: Ensuring sustained funding for MAP Grants and other financial aid programs.
- Affordability and Student Debt: Addressing loan borrowing trends and financial literacy.
- Regulatory Complexity: Reducing administrative burdens on financial aid offices.
Download: Advocacy: Why Does it Matter? (PDF)
Contacting Your Legislators
Reaching out to your legislators is an effective way to support your advocacy work. You may contact them by letter, email, phone call, or by using more than one method. These communication options can help you speak up for your students.
Finding Contact Information
- You can find contact information for your United States Senators on the https://www.senate.gov.
- You can find contact information for your United States Representative on the https://www.house.gov.
- You can find contact information for your Illinois state legislators on the https://www.elections.il.gov/electionoperations/districtlocator/districtofficialsearchbyaddress.aspx.
Writing Your Message
When you contact your legislator, make your message clear and easy to understand.
- State who you are and who you represent.
- Explain your concern or your position in a short and simple way.
- Focus on how the issue affects students.
- Including data or a specific example can make your message stronger.
Call to Action
Now is a good time to reach out to your legislators. Your voice can help ensure that student needs remain important in policy decisions. Your advocacy makes a meaningful difference.
Learn how a bill becomes a law and key legislative deadlines.
Overview of state and federal financial aid programs.
Legislative resources and monitoring tools.
Final Note: This toolkit is a living resource for financial aid professionals. For additional support, contact ILASFAA's Legislative Issues Committee.