Frequently Asked Questions

What is Advocacy Day?

Each year NYSACAC members are encouraged to meet with their legislators in Albany to advocate for student aid, resources for college counseling, and legislation that will lower barriers to college access for students across the state. Last year we met with over 70 state representatives!

Do I need advocacy experience?

No! You do not need to have any experience in advocacy work. The NYSACAC Government Relations Committee will set up all of your appointments for the day and place you in a group of colleagues, some of whom will have advocacy experience to share. We will also provide training during our morning meeting on Advocacy Day so that you are well prepared to meet with legislative offices on behalf of your students and colleagues.

What do I have to do?

Please be sure to fill out our registration form. Once you complete that form we’ll be able to identify your legislators and group you with colleagues from your area. We’ll then reach out to legislative offices to schedule appointments for your group. All you need to do is show up and speak up!

Can I bring students?

Absolutely! Advocacy Day is a wonderful opportunity for your students to get involved and make their voices heard. Hundreds of students attend advocacy day every year through one of the many organizations that take part in the program, and the day will kick off with a student rally in “The Well” (essentially, the lobby of the Legislative Office Building).

The NYSACAC Government Relations Committee will plan meetings for you and your students with state legislators, empowering them to affect change in their communities and their futures. Please indicate if you plan to travel with students when you register for Advocacy Day.

How do I register students?

If you’ve indicated on your registration form that you intend to bring students with you, the Government Relations Committee will follow up via email with a student registration form. Please have each student who plans to attend complete this form. You will be the designated chaperone and responsible for these students, unless we are informed otherwise.

How do we get to Albany?

NYSACAC members who are not traveling with students are encouraged to plan their own travel to Albany. Taxis and ride sharing (eg. Uber, Lyft) are available in Albany, making travel from the Albany-Rensselaer train station to the capitol very easy, and inexpensive – it’s only about a 5 minute trip.

NYSACAC will provide transportation for counselors and students traveling from Buffalo, Syracuse, and NYC. Space will be limited and student groups (with chaperones) will be given priority to reserve bus seats. Further details will be provided shortly.

Where can I stay if I arrive the night before?

There is an NYSACAC room block at the Hampton Inn-Downtown Albany for $169/night. Rooms in the block are limited, so please contact the hotel at (518) 432-7000 or visit http://group.hamptoninn.com/nysacac to reserve a room ASAP!

Will meals be provided?

NYSACAC members who attend the morning meeting will have access to a hot breakfast buffet at the hotel when they arrive for the morning meeting. We will be providing lunch vouchers for the cafeteria at the Capitol Building for all LAD attendees (including students!). We will not be providing dinner, so please plan accordingly if you’re traveling home that evening. Student buses will have water and snacks provided.

What do I need to bring?

Not much! We’ll be sending out an advocacy handbook for your review in the weeks ahead of Advocacy Day. You can (and should) print the handbook out to bring with you to Albany. Counselors attending with students should review the handbook with your group before Advocacy Day. You should also bring a notepad and a pen. Please make sure your cell phone has a good charge!

What attire is expected?

You’ll be meeting with legislators and their staff throughout the day. Please wear professional attire. Also, please keep in mind that we will be in upstate New York (yes, Albany is upstate!) during February. Expect cold weather and a good amount of snow. Please dress accordingly.

What do I do with my luggage/belongings?

For NYSACAC members attending the morning meeting, the Hampton-Inn will provide a secure place for your belongings while you meet with legislators at the Capitol Building.

Student groups are encouraged to leave their luggage/belongings on the bus.

Further Questions/Concerns?