Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers
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IAVAT Advocacy Campaign

Support Today by Credit Card Payment!

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 Jannette Allotey (jallotey@illinoisffa.org) 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 almost two years ago.  Divide that number by 365 days and it comes to approximately $165 per day.  A pledge of $165 will give you the honor of knowing that you have helped fund the lobbying of Agriculture Education for an entire day.  This is a very minimal, but appreciated, pledge that will ensure future generations receive what you, your class mates and current colleagues have received.

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.  The $165 pledge will allow the Foundation to focus on their goals, the leadership at the FFA Center to focus on FFA member needs, and the Alumni to grow its opportunities.  It also lets all the other members: IAVAT, ILCAE, ICAE do what they do best which will in return make our Advocacy dollars more valuable because the efforts of these groups will compound the benefits provided to our students.
 
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.

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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

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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
2014 NAAE Advocacy Video Contest Winner
Get Contest Details Here
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How to Lobby

Use sample position letters, meeting templates, and follow-up thank you notes to create positive relationships with legislators.
Sample Advocacy Plan
Advocacy Lesson Plans
Sample Legislator Letter
Sample One-Pager for Legislators
Planning a Legislative Visit
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Who to Contact

View the following lists for legislators on the appropriations committee who are key to contact for agricultural advocacy.

Who to thank for Ag Ed Line Item?
Find your legislators here!
Advocacy Contact Database

Additional Resources

Please use the documents below to aid in your advocacy efforts.
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Press Release on Ag Ed Funding Cut
File Size: 49 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Press Release on Ag Teacher Shortage
File Size: 52 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

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Press Release on Loss of Ag Ed Funding Hurting Industry
File Size: 50 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Grant FAQ's 
Grant FAQ's
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  • Advocacy
  • Calendars
    • D1 Calendars
    • D2 Calendars
    • D3 Calendars
    • D4 Calendars
    • D5 Calendars
  • Make a Payment