The Joint National Committee for Languages and The National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS), is the national lobbying organization for second language study and language services in the United States. 

Find out more through their website, languagepolicy.org. You can also connect with them on Facebook and X and Bluesky. The National Committee for Latin and Greek holds a seat on the JNCL-NCLIS Board in order to represent Latin, Greek and Classical Studies within their legislative advocacy to Congress, the Secretary of Education, and other government agencies.

The common purpose of JNCL-NCLIS is:

• the promotion and implementation of public policy in support of all world languages and of international studies and right of equitable accessibility to quality second language instruction for ALL students in the nation

• the improvement and enhancement of international studies and the studying, learning, teaching of languages, linguistics, cultures, and their practical application

• and the advancement of that purpose, by joint action among the members and through appropriate relationships with other individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors of the nation

The National Committee for Latin and Greek has been providing a voice for Latin and Greek Studies within the NJCL since 1982 by holding a Board Member seat, by personal and financial support, and by joining them annually in their advocacy to officials in Washington, DC, and in various state governments. 

This is vital work and NCLG represents all local, regional and national classical associations, members and students in these advocacy activities.

Stay in the know and learn how to make your voice and opinions heard locally, regionally, and nationally.

Here are some suggestions for making connections that can add timeliness and effectiveness to your advocacy:

• Check out JNCL-NCLIS for news about national legislative issues, bills, and funding that affect language education and language services.

• Receive weekly Action Alerts and NewsBriefs from JNCL-NCLIS by clicking here or fill the form here.

• Stay current with your state and regional language associations, and be aware of laws and funding bills in your own state.

• NCLG has a whole folder of 2024-2025 one-pagers about current legislative needs. Take a look and use these to guide your messaging. JNCL also provided a similar folder for LAD25 attendees that our Advocacy Chair has shared.

• JNCL has a comprehensive page with a number of Advocacy Resources resources for getting started in messaging Congress.

• Contact your US Senators and Representative and message them often about your concerns and support for language education bills and funding. Just go here and in the box "Contact Your Member" fill in your address and it will pull up all the email contacts for you!

• The JNCL Legislative Action Center provides information about how to connect directly with state and local representatives in Washington. And it sends you Alerts and Calls to Action.  Or use this link at usa.gov.

Also:

• Learn more about advocacy with this information from ACTFL.

• ACTFL has also provided this helpful information on planning an effective meeting with your legislators.

• At the state-level, consider these ten goals to support world language education (ACTFL).

• ACTFL also provides Advocacy Alerts through their Legislative Action Center website, which is tied back to JNCL resources.