Advocacy Resources - Government Affairs and Public Policy

Additional Resources to Support Your Advocacy Journey

Whether you are looking to stay informed about legislative developments, or learn best practices for advocacy, our Advocacy Resources Section is your go-to destination for all things advocacy-related. 

Advocacy 101

Learn about avoiding common mistakes, become an advocate, track legislation, tip for communicating with your legislator, and more!

Explore Advocacy 101

Trainings

To access this resource, you must be logged in and an authenticated member. Not a member? Join now!

VIDEO: Federal-Level Advocacy - Steps for Counselor Legislative Engagement

VIDEO: State-Level Advocacy - Steps for Counselor Legislative Engagement

Become an Influential Legislative Advocate

Make a difference with your legislative advocacy by participating in an ACA-specialized legislative advocacy training. Whether in-person or virtual, these sessions are tailored for ACA Branches, Divisions, Regions and Colleges/Universities. Participants will learn essential skills and strategies to effectively advocate for mental health policies and regulations at the state and national levels.

Elevate your impact, influence change and champion the rights of clients and practitioners alike with ACA's legislative advocacy training.

Request Training

Advocacy Resources by Topic

Our Stances

Current Legislative Priorities - The American Counseling Association’s legislative priorities for 2025 outlines our strategic priorities and activities, selected to advance ACA's mission promoting the counseling profession through federal and state advocacy.

Our Position Statements - Statements ACA has released on key issues.

Workforce Development

Congressional One Pager on Legislative Priorities - One pager on ACA’s legislative priorities for the 119th Congress, including workforce development.

Counselor Jobs in the Federal Government - Helpful links for applying for counseling jobs in the federal government.

Counseling Compact Additional FAQs - Additional information about the Counseling Compact and frequently asked questions.

Accessibility

Tips for Handling Claims Denials - This document contains tips and resources for handling insurance claims denials.

Congressional One Pager on Legislative Priorities - One pager on ACA’s legislative priorities for the 119th Congress, including Accessibility.

21st Century Care

Congressional One Pager on Legislative Priorities - One pager on ACA’s legislative priorities for the 119th Congress, including 21st Century Care.

Issue Spotlight: Executive Orders

Download Infographic

News & Updates

Executive Order on College Accreditation Process
Apr 29, 2025|2 min read

On April 23, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order (EO) and fact sheet directing an “overhaul” of the college accreditation process, stating that universities must maintain accreditation to receive federal financial aid.
Tags:
- Advocacy
- Federal Issues
Unpacking Executive Orders: What They Mean for K-12 Schools & LGBTQ+ Students
Apr 3, 2025|1 min read

Recent executive orders are shaping the landscape for K-12 education, with major implications for LGBTQ+ students and families.

Additional Resources

Insurance Parity Resources
Counselor Employment Regulations & Protections for Federal Government
Recent Federal Policies Resources - The last few months have been a time of rapid change and stress, especially for communities that are already marginalized and underserved. Explore this list of documents, organizations and additional resources that may be helpful to counselors and clients.
ACA Response to Networking and Information Technology Research and Development National Coordination Office
Government Affairs & Public Policy Glossary - Our Government Affairs & Public Policy Glossary provides short definitions of legislative terms used by the Government Affairs & Public Policy team, Members of Congress, legislators and counseling advocates.
State Legislative Advocacy Guide (PDF) Coming Soon - Your guide to state legislative advocacy. This resource explains the legislative process, key terms, and strategies for more effective advocacy.
Contacting Your State Attorney General - This resource helps counselors who want to reach out to their attorney general for guidance on working with the LGBTQ+ community if they have questions or concerns about legal issues related to their practice. These principles outlined in the guide can also be used to advocate for additional legal issues impacting the counseling field.

Contact Our Advocacy Team

advocacy@counseling.org

Resources