• The Letter
• The Call
• The Visit

The Letter

Writing your legislator is always an effective way to communicate. Keep your letter to a single page. You can get help with your message from the UConn Alumni Association at (860) 240-2240.

Sample Advocacy Letter

Date

Address

Salutation,

Using your own letterhead, introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Tell your legislator about your connection to UConn 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!

In addition to writing to your local state senator and state representative, you may also wish to write to members of the Appropriations Committee, the Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee [PDF], and the Education Committee.

In order to help us track advocacy activity, please:

• e-mail a copy to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• fax a copy of your letter to the Alumni Association at (860) 486-2849
• or mail a copy to: UConn Advocates, University of Connecticut Alumni Association, Alumni Drive, Storrs, CT 06269-3053

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, brief, clear, persuasive and 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. The UConn Alumni Association can help you prepare this information. Call them at (860) 486-2240.

Visitor Information

Legislative sessions are held at the Capitol Building in Hartford. The public gallery of the House may be reached by stairways from the 3rd floor; the Senate galleries open onto the 4th floor. Individual legislators' offices, as well as committee meeting and public hearing rooms are located in the adjoining Legislative Office Building. Limited parking is available in the garage off Broad Street and Capitol Avenue.

Directions to the Connecticut State Capitol