Advocacy is not difficult. Once you try it, you'll gain confidence and realize that with a little preparation you can communicate easily with your legislator.
As a UW graduate, you know the value of your college degree and you know the value of publicly funded higher education today and in the future.
Tell your story from the heart. The Huskies for Higher Education program can provide some talking points but your greatest ally is your own story. Now is the time to tell it!
DOs and DON'Ts of effective advocacy
• If you are making a personal visit, schedule ahead.
• Always organize your presentation whether you are writing, making a phone call or making a personal visit. Since all politics is local, it is effective to illustrate your point with a hometown or personal example.
• Be brief. If you are making a personal visit, it should be no more than 15 minutes.
• Always be friendly. If your Senator or Representative disagrees with you, simply state your views, listen politely to the opposing position and indicate you hope the two to you can work together on another issue in the future.
• Be sincere. Remember: You are a taxpayer, a voter, a businessperson in the legislator's district. Elected officials work for you.
• Leave a summary of your presentation and, if appropriate, ask for a follow-up response.
• Say "thank you." If you have a personal meeting, send a follow-up thank you letter. In the letter succinctly reiterate the three key points you discussed in your meeting.
How to communicate with your legislators
The Letter
Writing your legislator is always an effective way to communicate. Keep your letter to a single page.
Sample Advocacy Letter
| Date
Address Salutation, Using your own letterhead, introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Tell your legislator you are a UW graduate, what year you graduated and how long you have lived in their district. Use the second paragraph to select one or two talking points to make your point for the significance of a university education. Explain how your higher education degree has benefited you and/or your family personally. Also show ways that higher education graduates benefit the community. In the final paragraph, conclude with a question such as "Are you willing to commit the state's financial resources to support the growing need for graduates from a university system? I look forward to your response to this question." The question format will open the door for continued communication. Remember to sign your name and include your address! |
Appropriate forms of address and salutation
Here's how to properly address your letter to various elected state officials:
To the Governor:
The Honorable (full name)
Governor, State of Washington
xxx XYZ Street
Olympia WA 11111
Dear Governor (last name)
To a State Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
State Senator (if to the President, use President of the Senate)
Home address if legislature is not in session; if in session,
State Capitol (room number)
Olympia WA xxxxx
Dear Senator (last name)
To a State Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
State Representative (if to the Speaker, use Speaker of the House)
Home address if legislature is not in session; if in session,
State Capitol (room number)
Olympia WA xxxxx
Dear Representative (last name)
The Call
The telephone is an effective means of communication when time is short. It can sometimes be a challenge to reach busy lawmakers. Be prepared with your message so that if you are able to speak to the legislator, you project your message with confidence and clarity. Remember: Be prepared; be brief; be clear; be persuasive, be thankful.
If the legislator is out of the office, leave a message. Remember to be courteous to staff. If the issue is one that requires immediate action, let staff know your position on the issue, leave your name and phone number so that your opinion will be recorded and the legislator may return your call.
The Visit
The most effective way to advocate is in person. You'll need to set up an appointment, then organize your brief and concise presentation. Unless the legislator wants to extend the visit, ask them to meet with you for only 15 minutes. Prepare a brief summary of your comments to leave with the legislator as well as documentation that helps confirm your message. Referring to local examples to illustrate your point is helpful.
Remember:
- Schedule ahead.
- Organize your presentation.
- Be brief (No more than 15 minutes).
- Be friendly.
- Be sincere.
- Leave a summary.
- Send a "thank you."