MITESOL Advocacy Update: December 2024
December brings us a wealth of opportunities for advocacy!
See the information below to:
- Take action on urgent state legislation before the year ends
- Learn how TESOL is strategizing with OELA to work with the new federal administration
- Register for 2025 TESOL Advocacy Action Days
- Use resources to provide solidarity for our immigrant students and neighbors who are possibly at risk of deportation from the incoming administration
STATE ADVOCACY
URGENT legislative campaigns that need advocacy before the Michigan “lame duck” session ends in 2024:
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Drive SAFE Bills - Take Action! *High Priority*
These three state legislative campaigns are being championed by Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) and other advocacy groups across the state.
Each action alert link offers an email draft to be launched in Gmail and sent to pertinent policymakers. In addition, the Drive SAFE link provides a call script to use when calling policymakers by phone.
During the Lame Duck session, advocacy is more important than ever to help push good proposals over the finish line. Any legislation that is not fully passed by both the House and Senate by the end of 2024 has to start the process all over in the next session, undoing months—and in many cases, years—of work.
FEDERAL ADVOCACY
TESOL Webinars - Policy Implications for the New Administration
- November 20, 2024: Webinar / Slides - US Policy Priorities for ELT Educators and MLEs
- December 10, 2024: Slides - Building on OELA’s Commitment to MLEs
These webinars highlight policy implications and the transition of Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) from one administration to another.
2025 TESOL Advocacy Action Days
TESOL’s goal is to take legislative priorities to Capitol Hill and position TESOL representatives as the subject matter experts for the ELT field.
- Virtual: February 25, 2025
- In-person: June 16-18, 2025
Why should you attend?
By attending the 2025 TESOL Advocacy Action Days, you'll be able to:
- Build relationships with your representatives and senators.
- Learn more about the policies that impact ELT and MLEs.
- Lift the voice of learners, families, and your communities.
- Hone your advocacy skills.
Details here!
SOLIDARITY WITH IMMIGRANTS in our Schools and Communities
It is not certain what the incoming Trump Administration will be able to accomplish regarding its threat of a mass deportation campaign.
Please consider these resources to become informed and share with other educators so we are equipped to assist students and community members:
- Sanctuary School Toolkit: A Guide for Parents, Students, and Stakeholders in Local School Districts compiled by GR Rapid Response to ICE
- School Crisis Playbook: Navigating Deportation Policies with Practical Tools and Preparedness by Fugees Family
Fugees Family Webinars: Equipping Schools for Uncertainty: Navigating Deportation Policies with Practical Tools and Preparedness
December 17, 1:00 p.m.
December 18, 2:00 p.m.
Please contact me with any information or questions you’d like to share!
Sharon Umlor
MITESOL Advocacy Coordinator
Get Involved!
Contact MITESOL's Advocacy Coordinator
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If you have questions or any advocacy issues you'd like to bring forward, please contact MITESOL Advocacy Coordinator Sharon Umlor at advocacy@mitesol.org
Check out the 2024 MITESOL Advocacy Packet!
In this document, learn how to use the TESOL Advocacy Action Center, connect with state and federal policymakers, and more! This is a working document that will be continually updated, and suggestions are welcome if there is information you’d like to see included.
TESOL Advocacy Action Center
You do not need to be a TESOL member to use the TESOL Advocacy Action Center site!… Join in and support English learners and teachers today! 
The Action Center is also available via mobile app: Download the Voter Voice app & search for “TESOL International Association” in the organization field.
MITESOL 2024 Conference Advocacy Action Center Resources
Check out the materials from the Advocacy Action exhibit at our fall conference!
Contact policymakers regarding state bills Drive SAFE, FAFSA, and Child Labor championed by Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.
Also, let MITESOL know your experience in how policies affect you and MLs in your workspace by filling out our awareness campaign survey.
TESOL U.S. Federal Policy Priorities for the 118th Congress
Review TESOL's official outline of priorities for our federal administration's attention regarding appropriations, elementary/secondary education, adult education, higher education, and immigration reform.
Are You on Facebook?
Please join the MITESOL Advocacy & Policy group to connect with colleagues and stay informed!
https://www.mitesol.org/cpages/2024-conference-advocacy-action-center