Your voice matters
There are many ways to advocate on behalf of PSU. You can make a difference by engaging with legislators directly, by sending an email or letter, meeting with elected officials or attending a town hall. Use this toolkit to take direct action and help support PSU, the state and our region.
4 % Of congressional staff reported in-person visits had some or a lot of influence on the legislator
87 % Reported questions at town hall meetings had some or a lot of influence
80 % Reported letters to the editor had some or a lot of influence
Nearly 90 % Of legislators said that communication from constituents including email and postal mail would have an influence on their decisions
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SCHEDULE A MEETING
Request a meeting by emailing or calling your legislator’s office and state what you are wanting to talk to them about. It is important to note if you are a constituent of theirs. Always let their office know if you plan to bring additional guests. Contact the PSU Advocates if you would like assistance scheduling your meeting.
BE PREPARED
When you have confirmed a meeting time, be sure you are prepared with your talking points for the meeting. Contact the PSU Advocates for talking points.
Are there any connections you have in common with the legislator? If so, this is an opportunity to personalize your relationship. Have they supported issues important to you in the past? If
so, consider bringing this up and thanking them for their support.
Legislators are very busy, and meetings are usually quick. It is important to plan the flow of the meeting. If more than one person is attending, plan for who is going to share your message,
who is taking notes and what everyone’s roles are.
PRACTICE
Practicing in advance helps you stay on message and feel more prepared for your meeting.
FOLLOW-UP
Sending a thank you note after the meeting can leave an impression and strengthen your relationship with the legislator. Be sure to let the PSU Advocates team know if there is any additional follow-up needed.
Meeting tips
- Be prompt
- Be polite
- Be yourself
- Be honest
- Make the ask
Write to Your Legislators
Emails and letters are a very useful advocacy tactic. The amount of mail or emails a legislator receives on a certain issue can help them determine its importance. They remember this and it can leave a lasting impression. When writing your letter, remember these tips:
A well-written, personal email or letter is a great way to make your voice heard.
Just like meeting a legislator in person, it is important to personalize your letter and tell a story. Tell the legislator how a bill or issue you are writing about has or will affect you,
your family and your friends.
End with an action you want them to take. In the letter, state the issue/problem, the solution and the action you want taken. (For example, low-income students disproportionately do not
finish their higher education degree because they do not have the tools to help them succeed. SB1234 provides funding to help get these students across the finish line. Vote Yes on SB123.)
Thank the legislator for their consideration and their service to the state government.
Call Your Legislators
Calling is an effective way to contact your legislator. Just like any other communication or meeting, politeness is key. For a successful phone call, follow these tips:
Remember who you are calling. You will need to know the district you live in and the name of the legislator you are trying to connect with.
- Identify yourself and your PSU affiliation (“I am a proud PSU alum…”)
- Why are you calling? State the bill or issue you are calling about and the action you would like your legislator to take.
- Be ready to give your home address and zip code to verify you are a constituent in their district.
- As always, say thank you!
Sample Phone Script
Hi, I am [INSERT NAME], a constituent residing in district [X]. I would like to speak to Representative [INSERT NAME].
I am a PSU Advocate from [NEIGHBORHOOD] and want to state my support for Portland State University and higher education in Oregon. As an alum, I believe it's essential that you keep tuition affordable by reinvesting in higher education. My degree from Portland State University has been crucial to my success in my professional career. Oregon lawmakers must prioritize access to affordable and accessible education for all Oregonians.
I am asking for your support and would like to hear your position on reinvesting in higher education.
Thank you for your time, Representative [INSERT NAME].
Write Letters to the Editor
Letters to the editor are another way to educate readers on an issue, shape public opinion and influence public officials’ positions and decisions. Additionally, they bring relevant matters to the attention of editorial boards. Learn tips for writing effective letters to editors:
- Respond Quickly. Letters to the editor are usually a response or a reaction to an article that appears in that specific newspaper or issues that happened in the area.
- Keep it Short and Sweet. Most letters have word limits. Your local newspaper will have specific limits listed online.
- Cite the Article. If you are referencing an article, make sure you cite it in your letter (Headline and Date) usually in the first or second sentence of your letter.
- Get to the Point. Make ONE strong point and make sure your ask is clear.
- Stay Professional. Don’t use vulgar, hostile or divisive language.
- Make it Local. How does this affect the community?
- Submit it electronically. Most newspapers prefer electronic submission. Check with your local paper for their preferred method.
- Include your complete contact information. Name, Phone, Email.
- Contact PSU Advocacy Network to let them know where you submitted your letter.
Request Advocacy Materials
The PSU Advocates has tools to help you to represent and advocate on behalf of Portland State University and public higher education. Contact us to receive your complimentary supplies.
- PSU Advocates postcards & thank you cards with stamps
- Teleconferencing backgrounds for virtual meetings and townhalls
- PSU pens and notebooks for note taking
- Portland State University T-shirt