How can you advocate for the U of MN?

• Attend a constituent meeting with alumni from your community
• Sign up to attend Maroon & Gold day at the Capitol
• Participate in a calling night
• Contact your representative throughout the legislative session urging them to support the U’s request.

Find your legislator here

How to format your letter to your legislator

• Introduce yourself. Let him/her know up front that you are a voter he/she represents. Explain why you are writing.
• Describe your relationship to the University and why it is important to you.
• A personal expression of your support for University leadership underscores your confidence in the future of the University of Minnesota.
• State clearly what action you want your legislator to take on your behalf.
• Express your appreciation. Ask for a specific response if you would like to receive one (optional).

How to make your letter personal

• Faculty can talk about the research that they're conducting and the potential it has to change the lives of Minnesotans; explain that without research and exploration, we cannot have advancement; talk about the bright students that you have in your classrooms and labs.
• Students can talk about how much they value their education; explain what you intend to do with your degree and how that may help the state of Minnesota; give examples of the experiences you've had while at the U (travel abroad, research, mentoring, clubs, etc.); explain how the cost of tuition affects your life (Do you have to work while going to school?).
• Staff can talk about how their work directly affects the University of Minnesota, as well as the state; explain why you work for the University of Minnesota.
• Alumni can explain the value of their education; how their education resulted in their current career path; how working for a certain organization/company affects the state of Minnesota; talk about how you want to keep the University of Minnesota a top public research institution for your children to attend.
• Parents can talk about the effect that high tuition costs have on their lives; explain what your child plans to do with their education and how it will better the entire state of Minnesota.

To participate in any of the above activities or for additional ways to get involved this session, contact CBS Alumni Relations at 612-626-3956 or keene@umn.edu.

For information about how you can help, go to the U’s Legislative Action Center website.