NASFAA Interim President and CEO Joan Crissman urged members to reach out to federal lawmakers and advocate on behalf of students when members of the House and Senate return home states for the August recess.

In a letter to members, Crissman provided 10 tips to help members effectively advocate during the August recess.

This has already been an eventful year and the coming months will likely be even more eventful as Congress considers legislation that would further simplify the FAFSA and needs analysis formula, overhaul the Federal Perkins Loan program, increase and index the Federal Pell Grant, and eliminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). This makes the August recess the perfect time to reach out to your representative and senators in Congress to let them know what concerns you and what you support.

Crissman reminded members to keep NASFAA updated with advocacy efforts so the association can represent your positions on the Hill.

Crissman also highlighted a host of resources on the NASFAA Web site to help members with their advocacy efforts. NASFAA's Legislative Center and Student Aid Bill Watch Center provide the latest legislative news and NASFAA's policy positions. Members should also feel free to contact NASFAA with any questions on legislative activity, your position on certain proposals, or update us on your advocacy efforts. While advocating on current issues, it is important not to feel limited to current issues. Feel free to raise any federal student aid issue that is positively or negatively affecting your students.

Posted 08/07/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.