Upcoming In-Person Advocacy Events
sponsored by JNCL-NCLIS
NCLG Advocacy Chair Wiliiam Nifong
will be representing the interests of Latin and Greek programs and all second language education
to Congressional members on October 16 and in February with our delegation.
Your donations allow us to directly and virtually represent you in Washington, DC!
So .....
Attend virtual LAD24 Congressional meetings hosted by JNCL-NCLIS, Feb 27-28
OR to support us, use a gift designation "to the NCLG" here.
Help us send more NCLG members to attend.
NCLG alone speaks to dozens of Congressional members!
Advocacy Chair Will Nifong Attends In-Person Advocacy Event on October 16 Sponsored by JNCL-NCLIS
“Mr. Magister Goes to Washington”
After a meeting with the JNCL-NCLIS Board on Sunday, October 15, for additional background on the pending legislation (World LEAP Act) and strategy discussions for meetings with Congressional staffers, Will Nifong (Illinois) joined scores of language advocates at the Rayburn House Office Building on Monday, October 16. Also in attendance were Sherwin Little (Ohio), ACL Executive Director; and William Lee (Texas), NLE Writing & Steering Committee Member & ACTFL Teacher of the Year for 2023.
Attendees heard from Mark Dennin, Legislative Director for Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), who introduced the World LEAP Act in the House of Representatives, and Montserrat Garibay, Assistant Deputy Secretary & Director for the Office of English Language Acquisition at the Department of Education. Whilst acknowledging the elephant in the room – i.e., the inability to forward any legislation at present because of the majority’s leadership crisis in the House – everyone focused on the positive and stressed that someday soon, when Congress was functioning again, we would need a Republican co-sponsor in the House and both Democratic and Republican co-sponsors in the Senate, as well as strong support from all legislators. Thus, delegates had been assigned meetings with one or more legislators who represented them in Congress.
Will first met with Alexandra Patzakis, Legislative Aide to Rep. Jan Shakowsky (D-IL). As it happens, Alexandra, in addition to knowing modern Greek, studied Latin in high school in California, and she and Will exchanged a few pleasantries Latine! She had prepared well for the meeting and seemed quite optimistic that Rep. Shakowsky would support World LEAP, perhaps even as a co-sponsor. Will and fellow delegates Todd Bowen of the Illinois Council for Teachers of Foreign Language and Kanjana Thepboriruk of Northern Illinois University (also representing the Coalition of Community-Based Heritage Language Schools) were buoyed by their reception in Rep. Shakowsky’s office.
Later traipsing across the Hill and past the Capitol to the Hart Senate Office Building, Will and a larger group of delegates, including JNCL-NCLIS Board President Linda Egnatz, met with Senator Durbin’s Legislative Correspondent, Yashi Gunawardena. Based on his strong support of language initiatives in the past, Sen. Durbin had been identified as a strong candidate for introduction of the bill in the Senate. Although Gunawardena cast some doubt on Sen. Durbin’s ability to add another bill to his plate, she seemed sanguine that he would support the legislation and might assist in introducing it if another senator took the lead.
All in all, the Advocacy Action Day in Washington, D.C., offered a marvelous opportunity for Classics folks to commune with modern language colleagues, to brainstorm (and lament) about current trends in education (e.g., the elimination of foreign language departments at West Virginia University and pressures elsewhere), and to strategize about how we all might work together to advance our common interests in and passion for language education. A chance to walk around our stunning capital is never to be missed either!
World LEAP Act Infographic and Advocacy
NCLG welcomes all to read through this open letter from the Linda Egnatz, the President of JNCL-NCLIS about the World LEAP Act. The World LEAP Act is an important piece of legislation that, if passed, would provide more funding for local schools to build up their world language programs.
~~~~~~~
Rep. Jimmy Panetta Introduces World LEAP Act, Establishing Language Education Grants Program
September 21th, 2023 | JNCL Newsroom Release
Please contact your state and district Congressional leaders to support this Act!
We are excited to announce the introduction of the World Language Education Assistance Program (World LEAP) Act. Over the past year, the JNCL-NCLIS team has been working closely with Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to design this legislation with the support of our advocates and member organizations. We are thrilled to see it move forward and are eager to support next steps.
The World LEAP Act will establish the first K-12 world language and dual language education grants program at the U.S. Department of Education in over 14 years. This important legislation prioritizes funding for the development of programs offered across all socioeconomic and demographic groups, builds opportunity for heritage and English language learners, requires a reservation of funds for professional development, and promotes career pathways that will generate economic success for our nation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We only make a difference when we are heard and seen!
LAD23 WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL EVENT!
NCLG continues to support and advocate for ALL U.S. Latin and Greek programs and the inclusion of Latin and Greek as "world languages" in legislation. Together with other language organizations and affiliated professionals, we advocate for ALL second language education programming and funding. We were proud to be part of advocacy that secured increased FY23 federal funding for crucial language education programs.
See FY23 budget appropriations chart and press releases here.
As a Legacy Board Member of
the Joint National Committee on Languages,
NCLG continues to attend informational meetings, contribute to leadership and planning, and advocate personally with Congress for:
**A new World LEAP program of WL grants (expansion, PD)
**WLARA world language program expansion grants
(schools linked to DoD, NDAA support)
**Passage of BEST Act; federal support of Seal of Biliteracy
**Funding the Native American Languages Resource Center
**Paul Simon Study Abroad grants
**Key title program funding, Title I, II, III, ..VI
**Recruiting Congress members to join
the new America's Languages Caucus
**Support for all dual language acquisition programs
To support us, use a gift designation "to the NCLG" here.
featuring an invitation to celebrate
Black Classicists in classroom lessons.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 7 Application Deadline
WLARA 2023 World Language Program Grants
The National Committee for Latin and Greek has advocated for Greek and Latin programs for over 40 years and we are proud to be part of the advocacy that led to a new federal grant program. This one is for school districts that have a JROTC program or a connection to military bases or families. (We are currently working on a equivalent grant program for any public system, called World LEAP!)
In its third year, the WLARA, World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants Program, is now accepting applications for FY23! The deadline to apply is April 7, 2023. This program supports the growth of learning opportunities that empower more students to become multilingual, globally prepared citizens. Your dedication and advocacy efforts over the past several years helped make this program a reality and continue its prioritization for funding!
Here is a pre-recorded technical assistance webinar provided by the Department of Defense Education Activity. The DoDEA seeks innovative proposals for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of world language programs targeting elementary and secondary students in order to enable successful students, as they advance from elementary school through secondary school, to achieve an advanced level of proficiency in those languages. Individual grant award will be a minimum of $500,000.00 and with a maximum of $2,000,000, for a period of up to five (5) years. Strategic languages have priority but programs can include any world language!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read The Catalyst "2022 Legislative Recap"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OTHER NEWS
NCLG again hosted two DEI-focused panels
in our "Exploring Equity" series.
ACL Institute in Charleston
6/24/22
Please check it out on our DEI Resources pages!
Exploring Equity: Facing the Erasure of Black Classicists in America;
Highlighting Their Role in Educational Equity (Live and Zoom)
Elizabeth A. Heintzelman, Dr. Leah Rochell Johnson
Dr. Michele Valerie Ronnick, and NCLG Host Katie Robinson,
PLUS....
Exploring Equity: Re-envisioning Our Place in the University (Live & Virtual)
Dr. Pramit Chaudhuri, Dr. Emily Greenwood
Dr. Anika Prather, and NCLG Host Dr. Daniel B. McGlathery
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WERE A GREAT SUCCESS!
But the work continues all year!
Please tell your legislators how important
language skills are to a quality education
and a global society!
Advocate for bills offering equity and funding!
Advocate for value of Latin and Greek
NCLG represented YOU!
Please support us --
or join us to continue the work!
Maintaining our voice on the Board
as a Legacy Seat and Significant Contributor
requires your continued support.
To donate, please contact our Treasurer.
Here is a folder of information on important legislation
that we need you all to advocate for right now!
CLICK IMAGE TO GO TO FIND YOUR CONGRESS MEMBERS
JNCL-NCLIS welcomed 298 language advocates in
Virtual Language Advocacy Days 2022: Language at the Intersection
Attendees participated in a Padlet Advocacy Board
sponsored by NCLG!
There was recognition for the best 5 stories
of personal advocacy!
Did you know?
National Committee for Latin and Greek is a Board Member
and a Significant Contributor to
Joint National Committee on Languages
National Council on Language and International Studies
Please Note:
The NCLG looks forward to advocating with and for you in February and all year.
Please support us or better yet - join us!
ANYONE can join in this important work.
It is interesting and rewarding to meet congressional members and represent our interests.
At the languagepolicy.org and their Legislative Action Center page - they make it EASY for you to also!
For those who cannot attend....NCLG is there.
NCLG advocates for many Classical Associations!
NCLG works to represent ALL Latin and Greek programming.
We represent and support the value of language skills and their importance within the academic curriculum.
We help advocate for many equity issues through expanded second language legislation and funding,
grants, Title funds, NEH, language recognition, inclusive outreach, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To support us, designate a gift "to the NCLG" here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Message from JNCL
"Each year, JNCL-NCLIS delegates and dedicated language advocates across the county unite to meet with Members of Congress and promote the importance of language education and international studies. In 2021 we debuted the virtual version of our Language Advocacy Days with resounding, record-breaking success and went virtual for 2022. Stories of multilingualism and the need for federal language education policy were heard by all 100 U.S. Senators and 200 Representatives. While we look forward to the day when we can gather in-person on Capitol Hill, we are excited to continue this momentum through our virtual format by featuring new vendors and programming and welcoming back advocates from all 50 states with this accessible and impactful format. You can help strengthen our voice and broaden our reach by sharing this event on social media and inviting advocates from your networks!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PREVIOUS POSTS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NCLG hosted the very first JNCL-NCLIS
"CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS"
Webinar.
Click image to download
a flier of details!
Contact NCLG Chair Dr. Zarrow for news
on follow-up details and recorded segments.
WITH FEATURED SPEAKERS....
~ SKYE SHIRLEY ~
~ JOHN BRACEY~
~ WILLIAM LEE ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLICK IMAGE FOR ALL THE PANEL DETAILS!
NCLG HOSTS
FOR ANNUAL VIRTUAL ACL INSTITUTE
Plan now for the next Institute in June '22
with 5 days of sessions and presentations!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LANGUAGE ADVOCACY DAYS 2021
-- An Amazing Experience for our NCLG Delegation!--
Seven members of NCLG traveled virtually to Washington to represent
LATIN and GREEK
as they presented Congressional members and staffers
with critical language information on current legislations
and funding appropriations bills affecting all language students and professionals!
Please Become an Advocate!
Check out the FOLDER HERE of detailed, factual resource documents that you
can download and use to quickly learn about these issues and advocate now
with local, state and national government. Thanks to 270 attendees,
who represented ALL 50 STATES and D.C.,
the office of every Senator and each of their individual House Representatives
were contacted and language issues were discussed.
We only make a difference when we are heard and seen!
JNCL-NCLIS ADVOCACY
JNCL-NCLIS, The Joint National Committee for Languages/The National Council for Languages and International Studies, is our national lobbying organization for second language study and language services in the United States. Connect at http://www.languagepolicy.org/ You can also connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.
The common purpose of the Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS) is the promotion and implementation of public policy in support of all world languages and of international studies and right of equitable accessibility to quality second language instruction for ALL students in the nation; the improvement and enhancement of international studies and the studying, learning, teaching of languages, linguistics, cultures, and their practical application; and the advancement of that purpose, by joint action among the members and through appropriate relationships with other individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors of the nation.
The National Committee for Latin and Greek has been providing a voice for Latin and Greek Studies within the NJCL and joins them annually in their advocacy to officials in Washington DC and in various state governments. This is vital work and NCLG represents all local, regional and national associations in its advocacy activities.
1/7/2021 Announcement
We welcome Edward ‘Ted’ Zarrow, as our incoming NCLG Advocacy Chair and our representative to the Board of Directors of JNCL-NCLIS ! Ted is one of eleven colleagues who are members of the National Committee for Latin and Greek, advocating across the nation and liaising with numerous organizations and institutions.
Please visit https://www.languagepolicy.org/board to see bios and roles of all JNCL Board Members. The NCLG is proud to be a “Significant Contributor” to the advocacy work of JNCL-NCLIS. Donations alone allow NCLG to maintain this level of involvement and membership, as we represent state, regional and national associations involved with Greek and Latin language and cultural studies education. Donations can be made through our Treasurer or by following instructions on our homepage at promotelatin.org.
World Language Advocacy
PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING IN LANGUAGE ADVOCACY! Contact us if you wish to become more involved in your area. We also invite you to consider joining national advocacy efforts by contacting your state and national representatives. In addition, if you wish to join our efforts, contact us. We want our NCLG committee members to reflect all levels of education and we want to promote the rights of all students to language access.
Know the current issues! Here are some links for making connections that can add timeliness and effectiveness to your advocacy. Stay in the know and learn how to make your voice and opinions heard locally, regionally and nationally.
JNCL_NCLIS Go to languagepolicy.org for ALL the news about national legislative issues, bills and funding that touch in any way upon language education and language services.
JNCL-NCLIS Receive weekly email Action Alerts and NewsBriefs. Click Login/sign up.
https://www.languagepolicy.org/newsroom/categories/advocacy-alerts
NEW!! JNCL LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER Find out how to connect directly with your state and local representatives in Washington! No more guessing!
https://www.languagepolicy.org/take-action
In-Person Advocacy Tips on planning an effective meeting with your legislators
https://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/advocacy/resources/MoCProgramVisitHowTo.pdf
Advocacy contacts Follow your government and what they are voting on and considering. YOUR VOICE CAN MATTER! Please influence your officials about the benefits of laws and bills that support language education and equity of access to quality education.
Here’s how to get in touch with your elected officials: national, state, local, city. https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
ACTFL 'You can become a world language advocate!' Check out suggested paths of action HERE.
Consider these 10 goals for state-level advocacy and check to see if local associations are aware of what they can be doing on the state level to support world language education.
ACTFL Advocacy Alerts Weekly SmartBriefs are very informative and include articles about current programs, success stories, news, and action items that reflect language teaching and learning today.
https://www.actfl.org/node/3117
Your State and Regional Language Associations Check websites for groups you know, like MaFLA.org, CLTA.net; CAMWS.org, et al.) See if they have an advocacy page, news page, or advocacy information contacts about issues like inclusion and diversity and benefits of second language study. Stay in the know about current laws and funding bills in your own state. These bills can affect language education greatly and need to be monitored carefully. Watch things like maintaining graduation requirements that include world language credits, approving the graduation Seal of Biliteracy, preserving equity in funding, supporting teacher training, etc.
For other good information on efforts to promote Humanities education in general, go to the National Humanities Alliance, another non-profit organization.