Welcome to ACTE’s Policy Blog!
What exactly does a lobbyist do? I get asked that question on a regular basis, by new acquaintances, friends, colleagues, even my family at times! Recently, a gentleman I happened to be sitting next to on an airplane followed up with, “Aren’t all lobbyists sleazy?” Let’s just say I didn’t talk much to him for the rest of the flight!
Still, saying “I’m a lobbyist” is the easiest answer to give when someone who isn’t familiar with ACTE or CTE asks me about my job. In reality though, lobbying, at least as it is legally defined, is actually a very small part of what ACTE’s Public Policy Department does for our members and the broader CTE field on a daily basis. That’s why we decided to launch this blog. We hope to provide you with a behind the scenes look at how we advocate for you and work diligently to promote CTE.
Whether it is a meeting on the Hill, a conversation with a reporter, or an important new policy announcement, we plan to provide you with all the details on what’s going on in Washington, along with our thoughts and opinions on important policy topics. We plan to cover a broad range of issues and events, such as this year’s election and the transition to the new Administration, as well as tips on successful advocacy strategies.
We will continue to provide formal legislative updates and detailed policy analysis through a variety of sources, but hope this blog gives you a bit more insight into ACTE’s advocacy role, and in turn, helps prepare you to be a better advocate for CTE in your community, state, and at the national level.
Each week you’ll hear from members of our Public Policy staff, who will all introduce themselves in the next few days, and we’ll have occasional guest bloggers as well. I’m Alisha Hyslop, ACTE’s assistant director of public policy. You may have seen me present at one of our Conventions or read an article in Techniques that I worked on. I’ve been at ACTE for about six and a half years, and am truly blessed to be working for a cause I care so much about. I started out in CTE in sixth grade, as a FHA (what is now FCCLA) member. I went on to get my bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and my master’s in CTE. The skills I gained and experiences I had through CTE dramatically shaped who I am today, especially my career choice! I’ll share more of my CTE background occasionally, but in the meantime, I hope everyone’s school year is off to a great start, and encourage you to come back often for new updates and insights.
- Alisha
September 5th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Sounds like a good idea for a blog! I’m curious, have you ever worked in FACS?
September 5th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I haven’t officially worked in FACS since college. I got my job here at ACTE right after I finished my student teaching for my undergrad degree. I’m still very connected to FACS and FCCLA though, and they will always mean a great deal to me.