Welcome!
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This area of our website is designed to martial the enthusiasm and resources of those who have a stake in language programs. ACTFL began the process by developing the Discover Languages … Discover the World awareness campaign and more about that program can be found at www.DiscoverLanguages.org. There and on this site, we want to help educators and supporters make sure that the decision-makers in local, state and national organizations and legislatures provide the necessary funding for the future of our programs. In addition, we need the people who live and work in our communities to appreciate the importance of language learning. You’ll find information on how to advocate for languages, who should be the targets of your efforts, talking points to help deliver our advocacy messages, even sample letters to make your involvement easier.
There has never been a time when advocacy in support of language education has been more critical. Maintaining existing language education programs and expanding them to include new languages and instruction for middle and elementary school students, and diversifying language offerings in high schools and universities must be the goals of such advocacy. Local governments, boards of education and school administrators are faced with mounting pressures in light of increased costs, requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation and demands from citizens for the addition of programs in a broad range of subjects.
ACTFL knows that our organization enjoys the support of an outstanding membership of language teachers and administrators who believe passionately in the importance of what they do. We know, too, that there are many others … parents, students, business and civic leaders … who recognize the value of language learning and will invest their time and talents in reaching out to those who control the future of their programs.
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What is Advocacy?
Who should be an advocate?
What messages should be delivered?
The techniques of advocacy?
Resources
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What is Advocacy?
Language advocacy is a comprehensive effort to serve as a national voice for language-related issues and raise public awareness of the benefits of learning languages in order to influence the direction of present and future education.
When it comes to applying this definition to real, grassroots advocacy activities, think of it as the promotion of the academic, intellectual, career, societal and personal benefits of language learning and cultural awareness at all levels. It must deliver compelling messages to the student, parent, school administration and teachers, corporate, government and community decision-makers who will benefit from strong language programs.
