Goal: Introduce Yourself and Opportunity Youth to Your Members of Congress

Why it’s important: An introductory meeting builds a relationship with the office of your Members of Congress. By sharing about your experience and your organization, you are establishing that you’re an expert about your respective field and that you can provide insight and advice as the Member of Congress considers legislation that may impact the issues you care about.

Context/information you may need: DC staff contact information (you can either call your member’s DC office or ask Nathan Hora (Nathan.hora@nyec.org) for the appropriate staffer’s contact information).

Goal: Invite Members of Congress to Visit a Program in Your Community

Why it’s important: Program visits can be an incredibly effective to build awareness, understanding, and support of programs that serve opportunity youth. They also provide the opportunity for Members of Congress to directly engage with direct-service providers, young people, and administrative staff, who may not have the availability to attend a virtual meeting with DC staff during the day.

Context/information you may need: When Congress is in recess (i.e. when Members of Congress are in their districts). You can find this information by googling “House 2025 Calendar” and “Senate 2025 Calendar" in January 2025.

Goal: Elevate Policies that Support Opportunity Youth, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Why it’s important: There are several federal laws that affect opportunity youth, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, and hundreds of bills are introduced every Congress that could affect opportunity youth if enacted. You can shape these laws and proposals by sharing your opinion and insight.

Context/information you may need: NYEC has published its WIOA recommendations on its website, which were developed by members of the field, like you! NYEC also shares all bills introduced in Congress that relate to opportunity youth in its weekly Policy Update.

Goal: Advocate for Increased Federal Funding for Opportunity Youth and Your Program

Why it’s important: We know that our programs that serve opportunity youth are often drastically under resourced – making it difficult for programs to provide all of the supports young people need to succeed. Many programs that serve opportunity youth receive funding from programs like WIOA, but they can also advocate for Congressionally Directed Spending (also known as earmarks), which are one-time funds given to programs by their Member of Congress for a particular project.

Context/information you may need: Typically in March, the President releases their budget proposal, which kicks off the annual federal funding process, also known as appropriations. The President’s budget can be used as a marker for what they may end up signing into law. After this step, Congress begins their appropriations process, first by soliciting input and recommendations from the public, and then members. Also around this time, Members of Congress begin soliciting applications for earmarks. NYEC will provide updates regarding these steps through our weekly Policy Update.

Goal: Recruit your Members of Congress to the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus

Why it’s important: The Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus (BOYC), which is chaired by Representatives Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Troy Carter (D-LA), is the only Caucus in Congress dedicated to supporting opportunity youth. By building the membership of the Caucus, we are building the voice for opportunity youth in Congress!

Context you may need: At this time, this opportunity is only available to members of the House of Representatives.

Goal: Advocate for Increased Federal Funding for Opportunity Youth and Your Program

Why it’s important: As stated above, we know that programs that serve opportunity youth need resources to continue delivering high-quality services. By advocating consistently throughout the year, you’re ensuring that your voice and recommendations are being heard.

Context/information you may need: Around this time, each chamber of Congress begins advancing their proposals for appropriations. This is another opportunity to engage with your Members of Congress to advocate for increased funding to programs that support opportunity youth.