2008 Woodie Awards
Taking a stand for higher education
Nadine K. Lewis
Issue date: 3/4/04 Section: Features
Lobbying is a year-round process, not just an annual trip to Albany. It involves consistent communication with government representatives through letter writing, telephone calls, postcards and e-mail messages. Lobbying requires a commitment to staying current with the issues you are advocating for as well as the other pertinent issues currently facing the government.
What is admirable about Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students is their commitment to not only lobby for HEOP and other opportunity programs, but to also seek support for other higher education funding issues that impact many college students in New York State. Programs such as the Tutition Assistance Program (TAP) and Direct Institutional Aid for independent colleges and universities (also known as Bundy Aid) are among those also supported. On many campuses, HEOP is the leading force in voter registration drives and lobbying initiatives, often working in conjunction with the campus student government organizations.
Lobbying is an excellent career development experience, as effective networking is essential in every profession. (Lobbying is, after all, simply a means of networking. In addition, the New York Legislature represents a wide array of professions.) This broad range can open career opportunities for politically active students for internships, summer jobs and permanent employment. The networking done between the students and graduates enhances this experience.
HEOP's annual Lobby Day is held in February when students, alumni and staff gather at the Legislature to rally for higher education funding and meet with the legislators that represent their colleges.
In 2003, we joined forces with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) for the Independent Sector Lobby Day, bringing more unity and strength to our efforts.
The highlight for me is watching the students experience the legislative process in person, and their realization that just as they believe their cause is important, there are thousands of other groups lobbying for the same thing. It was exhilarating to host the February 10 "HEOP Speak Out" for the first time this year. Students, represented by both HEOP and general admissions, motivated their peers with excellent speeches on the significance of TAP and HEOP in their college success. Just looking out into the audience and seeing the geographic and cultural diversity of the colleges in attendance shows the reality that is HEOP. The challenge in lobbying is convincing the governor, senators and assembly persons why your cause should be fully funded. It is also intriguing to observe legislators and key officials stop at the rally to hear the testimonies of HEOP students, as well as the success stories of HEOP alumni.
About four years ago, the HEOP Professional Organization (HEOPPO) began a "HEOP Directors Lobby Day" in March to focus on lobbying the Higher Education, Senate Finance, and Assembly Ways and Means committees, which is a good follow-up to the student lobbying event and is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22.
In addition, this year Opportunity Programs United (HEOP, EOP, SEEK/CD) held a Directors Lobby Day in Albany on March 2 adding reinforcement that these higher education initiatives are important to New York State.
- Nadine K. Lewis is the HEOP Counselor/Tutor Coordinator. -
What is admirable about Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students is their commitment to not only lobby for HEOP and other opportunity programs, but to also seek support for other higher education funding issues that impact many college students in New York State. Programs such as the Tutition Assistance Program (TAP) and Direct Institutional Aid for independent colleges and universities (also known as Bundy Aid) are among those also supported. On many campuses, HEOP is the leading force in voter registration drives and lobbying initiatives, often working in conjunction with the campus student government organizations.
Lobbying is an excellent career development experience, as effective networking is essential in every profession. (Lobbying is, after all, simply a means of networking. In addition, the New York Legislature represents a wide array of professions.) This broad range can open career opportunities for politically active students for internships, summer jobs and permanent employment. The networking done between the students and graduates enhances this experience.
HEOP's annual Lobby Day is held in February when students, alumni and staff gather at the Legislature to rally for higher education funding and meet with the legislators that represent their colleges.
In 2003, we joined forces with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) for the Independent Sector Lobby Day, bringing more unity and strength to our efforts.
The highlight for me is watching the students experience the legislative process in person, and their realization that just as they believe their cause is important, there are thousands of other groups lobbying for the same thing. It was exhilarating to host the February 10 "HEOP Speak Out" for the first time this year. Students, represented by both HEOP and general admissions, motivated their peers with excellent speeches on the significance of TAP and HEOP in their college success. Just looking out into the audience and seeing the geographic and cultural diversity of the colleges in attendance shows the reality that is HEOP. The challenge in lobbying is convincing the governor, senators and assembly persons why your cause should be fully funded. It is also intriguing to observe legislators and key officials stop at the rally to hear the testimonies of HEOP students, as well as the success stories of HEOP alumni.
About four years ago, the HEOP Professional Organization (HEOPPO) began a "HEOP Directors Lobby Day" in March to focus on lobbying the Higher Education, Senate Finance, and Assembly Ways and Means committees, which is a good follow-up to the student lobbying event and is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22.
In addition, this year Opportunity Programs United (HEOP, EOP, SEEK/CD) held a Directors Lobby Day in Albany on March 2 adding reinforcement that these higher education initiatives are important to New York State.
- Nadine K. Lewis is the HEOP Counselor/Tutor Coordinator. -