Constituent Meetings wrap up
Over the last month, several hundred University supporters participated in small meetings with legislators from districts around the state. During these constituent meetings University faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents and other members of the community shared with legislators why the University is important and deserves strong state support.
Legislators on both sides of the aisle agree that the University is one of the State’s greatest assets, however over the past several decades, state support for the University has declined.
Meetings participants did a great job of sharing their personal stories about the University. Alumni did a wonderful job of reminding legislators how many businesses the U has helped create and attract. Faculty shared the struggles they face as they work to attract and retain the best in their field. Students spoke of the vast opportunities available to them as well as the hardships faced as tuition has dramatically increased.
Our hope is that these meetings are just the beginning of an important relationship that advocates will develop with legislators. Throughout the legislative session it will be important to keep in contact with your legislators on a regular basis. Visit the action center on the Legislative Network Web site to learn how to contact your legislators.
Another important way that you can stay involved in your community is becoming a district team member. We are working to setup a district team in each legislative district throughout the state. Visit the District Team web page to join: http://www1.umn.edu/groots/districtteam/districtteams.php
We have received great feedback from participants and legislators and will be planning more in the fall. To build on this year’s success, we’d like to begin to identify hosts and participants now. If you are interested in hosting or attending a meeting please e-mail Gloria Smith at: smit3431@umn.edu
Yesterday staff from the UMAA and students from the Public Affairs Student Association visited with their legislators during Thursdays at the Capitol program. Attendees went through a brief training on how to lobby legislators and went over the University’s main messages before they met with legislators.
“I was apprehensive about participating, feeling a bit intimidated by the process, but you made it very easy. The materials were clear and concise and helpful to framing a personalized message. After my first visit I felt like a pro! I came away from the capitol with a new-found capability. I would encourage others to do it,” said Diane Fisher, a UMAA staff member.
If you are interested in attending a Thursday at the Capitol you can visit this page: http://www1.umn.edu/groots/tatc.php
Last night President Bruininks participated in a Legislative Network calling night, joining nearly 20 University volunteers. The President thanked volunteers for spending a few hours of their time to build public support for the University.
The volunteers called people in key legislative districts and encouraged them to contact their legislators in support of the capital request. You can read a Minnesota Daily article about the event at: http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/03/10/8729
Advocates for the U of M will came together on February 18th for the first annual U of M Lobby Day at the Capitol. This event provided a unique opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community supporters to join together to lobby for the University.
Over 300 people lobbied their legislators to support the University’s full capital request. We received great feedback from many of those that attended and we hope to make next years event bigger and better. Please send us any ideas you have to improve the event at groots@umn.edu.
Visit this link to view a short new piece that students developed on the event: http://murphy.sjmc.umn.edu/enews/enge0251