How to Communicate With Your Elected Officials

• The Letter
• The Call
• The Visit

THE LETTER

Writing your legislator is always an effective way to communicate. You can get help with your message from the UConn Alumni Association at (860) 240-2240. 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 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 and the Education Committee.

In order to help us track advocacy activity, please 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; 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. The Alumni Association can help you prepare this information. Call us 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.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Directions to the State Capitol: The State Capitol is located at 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford.

Traveling on I-84 East
Take Exit 48, Capitol Avenue, get into the left lane of the exit ramp and follow the signs for Asylum Street. At the end of the exit ramp turn right onto Asylum Street, stay to the right and turn right onto Trinity Street. After going through the Arch the first right after the park will be the Capitol driveway.

Traveling on I-84 West
Take Exit 48, towards Asylum Street, go straight onto Spring Street. Turn right onto Asylum Avenue, stay straight onto Farmington Avenue. Turn left onto Broad Street, turn left onto Capitol Avenue. Go past the Armory and Legislative Office Building on your left. The Capitol will be on your left, turn left onto the Capitol grounds.

Traveling on I-91 North or South
Take Exit 29A, Capitol Avenue, follow the highway along to Pulaski Circle, go half way around the circle and exit to the right onto Elm Street. Follow Elm Street to the traffic light, at the traffic light proceed across Trinity Street directly onto the Capitol grounds.

Parking
Limited public parking is available in the spaces immediately upon entering the grounds.

Directions to the Legislative Office Building
The Legislative Office Building is located at 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford.

Traveling on I-84 East
Take Exit 48, Capitol Avenue, get into the right lane of the exit ramp. At the end of the exit ramp turn right onto Capitol Avenue. Take the first right past the Legislative Office Building, proceed to the back of the garage and take a right to enter the garage using the left hand lane.

Traveling on I-84 West
Take Exit 48, towards Asylum Street, go straight onto Spring Street. Turn right onto Asylum Avenue, stay straight onto Farmington Avenue. Turn left onto Broad Street, proceed through two stop lights, immediately after the Armory building take the first left and then another left at the end of the short access road. Follow this road around the garage to the back and take a right to enter the garage using the left hand lane.

Traveling on I-91 North or South
Take Exit 29A, Capitol Ave., stay over to the far left. You will come to Pulaski Circle, travel halfway around to Elm St. Go to the end of Elm St., you are now facing the Capitol Building. Take a left onto Trinity St. At the first traffic light take a right onto Capitol Ave. Go past the Capitol building and the I-84 entrance ramp, all on your right. Take the first right past the Legislative Office Building, proceed to the back of the garage and take a right to enter the garage using the left hand lane.

Parking
Limited public parking is available on the first floor of the garage.