The editorial board of Student Aid Transcript is planning an issue focused on advocacy and several other topics, and we're looking for a few good authors. Are you up to the challenge?

Advocacy is an important part of our jobs in student aid, whether on an institutional, local, state, or national level. Transcript plans to explore advocacy at different levels and from different perspectives, and we are looking for authors to share their expertise.

Each article will address a different aspect of advocacy. For example, for your article you might address one of these topics:

• Advocacy with on-campus leaders: helping other leaders at your institution understand what your students, staff, and operations need

• Advocacy at the state level: reaching out to lawmakers, policymakers, and voters who affect your institution and your state funding

• Advocacy on the federal level: knowing who to contact about what issues and finding ways to make your voice heard

• Grass roots mobilization: how and when to get others involved

• Fact finding: Locating the data or performing the research you need to support your points

• Legal issues: knowing when advocacy efforts are permitted and when are they prohibited

• Expressing yourself: tips for making a compelling argument to support your point

• Working with the media: making your point in a public forum

In addition to the topic of advocacy, we are also seeking articles on:

• Cost-effective training: Keeping yourself and your staff knowledgeable on a tight budget

• Maintaining compliance: tips for staying on top of the revolving door of requirements

• Employee morale: helping your staff maintain a positive attitude in a climate of limited resources, increased workload, and changing requirements

Transcript articles are between 500 and 2,600 words, so you'll have plenty of flexibility. The submission deadline is October 25 for the coming issue. Examples of recent Transcript articles appear at www.nasfaa.org/transcript.asp, where you can also read over our submission guidelines and writing tips.

Although our budget does not allow us to pay authors, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping your association and your profession. Plus, publication in a national trade magazine makes a priceless addition to your resume or CV.

So, are you ready to write? If so, please send an email to Transcript editor Linda Conard at ConardL@NASFAA.org to let her know what you're thinking. She'll give you all of the information you need to get started.

Posted 09/30/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.