Become an Effective Advocate for Your Program

The only way we are going to increase the visibility of FCS is by advocating for this profession at the local level by showing how we can improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Also, local and state legislative officials also need to be involved in this advocacy process in order to make a difference and increase FCS visibility at the state level. 

This session will provide participants with evidence-based reasons why advocating for FCS is needed now; learn several strategies and ideas on how to effectively advocate for FCS; show examples of how other FCS educators are implementing these strategies to effectively impact their stakeholders at the local and state levels; and develop a strategic advocacy plan that can be implemented in their FCS program.

As a result of attending this sessions, participants will be able to:

1) Identify advocacy development opportunities for FCS professionals;

2) Enhance the FCS visibility of the FCS profession in your community;

3) Develop an FCS strategic advocacy plan;

4) Discuss the importance of using FCS stories for advocacy purposes; and

5) Show how to advocate for FCS with local and state legislators. 

Members: To view and access the resources for the module, you must be logged in to your MyAAFCS account.

Resources for this professional development module include the following:

• Resource documents provided by presenters
• Weblinks to additional resources
• AAFCS Professional Development PDU Certificate

Meet the Presenter

Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Miller is an Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences Education in the College of Human Sciences at Texas Tech University and serves as the Coordinator of a Teaching and Training in Human Sciences Graduate Certificate. She is currently serving as a member of the Taskforce for Program Advancement, Past President’s Unit, and as a mentor for the Leadership Academy. Cindy has served as Past President (2019-20), President (2018-19), and Board of Director At-Large (2017-2020) for AAFCS. Cindy teaches face-to-face and online undergraduate and graduate courses where she continually asks the question, “How can family and consumer sciences teachers be supported in transforming their thinking and strengthening their practice?”