Policymakers are particularly tuned in to local media in the area they represent, so sharing information on relevant policy priorities, major news and initiatives, and other current issues that are affecting CTE with media professionals can help get important messages in front of policymakers. A great way to do this is to write an op-ed or letter to the editor of a local publication. The goal of an op-ed or letter to the editor should be to leave your readers feeling like they have a solid understanding of the issue, what the solution to the problem is and how they can get involved to help make that change happen. A strong media campaign can reach large numbers of people to communicate about the importance of making strong federal investments in CTE!
ACTE’s Action Center features a media directory to help you find a list of media publications in your area to submit your op-ed or letter to the editor. If you choose to send a letter to the editor, the Action Center can submit your letter directly to the publication without any additional steps! Just type your letter, subject line and closing line, then click send.
TAKE ACTION: Draft an op-ed or letter to the editor to share with local or national media professionals expressing the importance of investing in CTE to:
- Upskill and reskill workers to respond to the ever-changing demands of a pandemic-impacted economy.
- Include specific examples about how you are equipping your students to succeed.
- Help institutions recover from the financial demands of the pandemic and build on innovations that emerged during the last year.
- Discuss challenges you have faced and innovations you have made. As educators and administrators, you know your program best!
- Develop the educators, program content and flexibility necessary to help meet future workforce needs.
- Explain how you are meeting workforce needs in your program!
Remember, if you haven’t had a chance to complete previous ACTE August advocacy activities, they are pinned to the top of the blog – your advocacy is valuable at any time! Stay tuned to CTE Policy Watch for more advocacy opportunities!
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