Focus of Our Advocacy (Our “Ask”)
The goal of our meetings in Colorado will be to help members of Congress and their staff understand the impact of Fulbright on Colorado, including education, professional development, global collaborations and the economy, Our meetings in Colorado will be complemented by meetings in Washington DC organized by the Fulbright Association which will focus on increasing the Fulbright budget

Who We Will  Meet With in Congress (Our Audience)
Our intention is to meet with all 10 members of the Colorado Congressional Delegation, including both Senators (John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennett) and all eight members of the House of Representatives. We will likely meet with office staff members, with the possibility of the Senator or Representative joining us if they are in town.

Meeting Format, Roles, and Length 
All 10 meetings will follow the same format. Each meeting will be facilitated by a leader who will ensure that the formal “Ask” adheres to the National Fulbright Office’s messaging. The leader will be trained in the technical aspects of Fulbright’s structure and processes, funding sources and uses, legislative processes, and other details.

The Fulbrighters in attendance will share their personal Fulbright stories, including colorful details about their Fulbright service, emphasizing the Program’s impact on their career and their host colleagues, community, and country, as well as its role in fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and the international community. Our goal is to articulate the ways Fulbright strengthens our local communities, our nation, and communities and countries around the globe.

Meetings will likely be 15 to 20 minutes, but might last as long as 30 minutes. We will be prepared to stay as long as the staff member keeps the conversation going.

Training, Logistics, and Timing
Advocates will be trained in early April and will meet with Congressional staff mid-April through early May. Chapter leaders Nancy Sayre and Michael O’Donnell will coordinate with Team Leaders to schedule meetings with district offices.