Advocacy Efforts

IAVAT Advocacy Campaign

Recurring Payments

Looking for a quick and easy way to support the IAVAT Advocacy campaign with smaller, more frequent payments? Fill out this form and email to Tammy Mullins ([email protected]) to sign up for recurring payments directly from a checking or savings account. This will allow you to customize the amount and frequency of your payment, efficiently supporting the cause in the most convenient method.

Recurring Payment Form

Checks

If you would like to pay by check, please make payable to IAVAT Advocacy Fund and mail to:
IAVAT Advocacy Fund
3221 Northfield Drive
Springfield, IL 62702

Invoice

If you need an invoice to make an IAVAT Advocacy Payment, please use the link to the right to submit the IAVAT Dues & Donations form which will send an automated invoice.

IAVAT Dues & Donations Form

Advocacy for Agriculture Education in Illinois

Who: Any person or group of people that want to see Agriculture Education continue its legacy and build its future.

What:    It is currently costing $60,000 per year to maintain the professional lobbying efforts at the State Capital in Springfield that began in 2015.

Where:     Advocacy for Agriculture Education in Illinois has enjoyed a rich tradition of unaccountable hours by supporters for decades. The proven success of advocacy has helped to secure the Agriculture Education line item every year for over 30 years. This history of advocacy combined with our current hired lobbyist has compounded our opportunities in Springfield. This is spilling over into our communities and school districts through out the entire state of Illinois.

When:     The Ag Ed IAVAT Advocacy initiative is accepting pledges. You will receive a computer sticker for your contribution.

Why:     Many members of the Ag Ed family worked hard to secure the initial finances to hire a professional lobbyist.   It is commendable that they were able to do this, but it is not practical for those organizations to continue with this financial burden. We want every member of the Ag Ed family to focus on their own individual interest and we do not want them spending money or energy on the hired portion of advocacy.

How:     Use the "Support Today!" link below to support this campaign. If you would like to make your contribution specific to a certain day or in honor of a particular individual, please use the "Tell Your Story" link below to submit your information for us to share on social media and other outlets.

Agriculture educators and the IAVAT are integral in advocating for agriculture programs across the state. The primary lobbying event is Ag Legislative Day, held annually in March, when members and students visit the Capitol to raise awareness about agricultural education.

However, being an advocate is more than a single-day event, and the IAVAT promotes continued conversations with legislators and policymakers to spread the word of the importance of Ag Ed.

View the categories below to learn how to become an advocate for your program and engage students, parents, and community members with Springfield and Washington governments.

Visit the NAAE Advocacy Center

Engaging Your Legislators

Become proactive with lobbying for your program, not reactive! View the presentation below for ideas, tips, and techniques for increasing your advocacy.

Learn More