Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the New England Educational Opportunity Association (NEOA) board of directors, I would like to highlight for our membership the annual availability of funds for activities under the NEOA State Initiative. The NEOA board makes substantial funds available to assist our membership to develop effective strategies to influence state policymakers. These initiatives can position TRIO and other educational opportunity programs for greater legislative and fiscal support and increased recognition. The focus for the State Initiatives funding is always on activities that build relationships with members of Congress, and raise awareness of and support for TRIO in new arenas. Priority is given to those proposals that make contributions in these areas. This is a critical year in which to make strategic use of these funds. As always, all proposals are welcome. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. More information is available at www.neoaonline.org >Annual Activities>Advocacy and State Initiatives. Best, Sarah Morrell Chair, NEOA Advocacy Committee