Now is the Time: To Advocate for CTE (Advocacy‪)‬

This year has been a very frustrating year for career and technical education (GTE) advocates across the country. We have experienced significant funding reductions for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins), not to mention the cuts in state and local CTE funding. While policymakers continue to talk about the skill gap and the need to create jobs, we all just want to scream, "CTE is the answer!" Well, it is about time that we do indeed scream; that we scream louder and longer than we ever have before; and that we find ways to bring other screaming voices with us. We need to ensure that policymakers understand the importance of CTE programs in developing a skilled workforce--and that we need funding to support these programs. We all know how important funds are for our programs, yet we don't always feel the need to stand up and scream. Why? It is important to know that you can make a difference. The folks whom you elect into office are there to serve you. They are there to hear your complaints and to address them accordingly. If they fail to do this, then it is your right to take away your vote. This is powerful. Members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years. That means that they are constantly in campaign mode and seeking how they can win your vote. It is up to you to tell them how they can win your vote: by supporting CTE.