–noun, plural -cies.

1. the action of pleading for, supporting, or recommending; active espousal

2. active support, especially of a cause

3. ISTE's dedication to bringing the voice of educators to policy makers regarding educational technology and digital age learning

ISTE's advocacy efforts extend beyond putting technology in the classroom. We strive to ensure that technology improves learning and teaching to help more students achieve their full potential.

With your help, we have influenced policy makers from school board members to federal legislators. Our successes include:

• $650 million in stimulus funds for ed tech
• Several billion dollars of broadband stimulus funds to benefit K–12 schools
• An increase to the E-Rate cap for inflation as well as other important E-Rate changes
• Understanding from both the U.S. administration and bipartisan members of Congress that ed tech is a critical component for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

Every voice matters. Together our voices carry.

Do you have…

One minute? Tweet! Enter your zip code at tweetcongress.org to find the Twitter handle of your U.S. representative and send him/her a tweet. Be sure to include your city and state and use the hashtag: #edtech

Two minutes? Spread the word. Send a customizable letter or email through the Ed Tech Action Network (ETAN) and share this website with 5 friends: www.edtechactionnetwork.org

Five minutes? Develop an effective elevator speech. Imagine yourself in a situation where you unexpectedly are in contact with someone who could be very effective in raising support for educational technology. You have less than a minute to make a positive impression on this person. Learn how to make a compelling case.

Fifteen minutes? Educate yourself and join the conversation. Hear it from the source: Hilary Goldmann, ISTE's Senior Government Affairs Officer, shares the latest advocacy news from Washington, D.C., as it happens.

Sixty minutes or more? Get involved with the advocacy activities for your state's ISTE Affiliate. Join their Advocacy Committee. If they don't have one, start one. Set up a meeting with a policy maker or their staff locally. Can't get to D.C.? That's okay. Policy makers have offices throughout the state and they or their staff will meet with you. It's a great way to share your expertise and become the go-to person for advice.

The tools and training you need to be a powerful advocate for improved technology learning and teaching. Tell policymakers in Washington, D.C. and in your state capitols, that education technology is vital for improving student achievement and professional development. Visit ETAN.

• ISTE Templates & Starter Kits
  
  
• Congressional Scavenger Hunt
  


• L&L article, "Become a Better Advocate for Ed Tech" (PDF)
  
  
• L&L article, "Raise Your Voice to Win Back Ed Tech Funding!" (PDF)
  
  
• "Learning How to Make Your Voice Heard" webinar, presented by Advocacy and Affiliate Committees of ISTE (PDF)
  
  
• SIGAdmin Advocacy Statement (PDF)
  
  
• SIGMS Advocacy Statement (PDF)
  
  
• Lobbying basics
  
  
• Inviting a policymaker
  
  
• Example of information to share at a meeting
  
  
• Sample invitation to invite policymaker or staff to special conference session for legislators and tour of conference

Email in support of educational technology

1.    Go to www.edtechactionnetwork.org

2.    Type your zip code into the upper right hand box and click go

3.    Scroll down and read the letter; add your own thoughts to make it more personal

4.    Enter your contact information and click send