Join our 2021 Advocacy Challenge with
Oregon State University
The Ducks and Beavers may be rivals on the field and the court, but we work closely in the Oregon Capitol Building to advocate for students, programs, and the groundbreaking research that has a positive impact on our entire state. State funding for higher education is critical to Oregon’s recovery from the pandemic, wildfires, and economic crisis, and the University of Oregon and Oregon State University are committed to working together to ensure that we have an equitable recovery. But we can’t do it without your help!
Lawmakers protected education funding for this budget cycle. Now, we must build on that foundation and not dial back progress. The Legislature must make more investments in basic needs for students, including helping students afford food, affordable housing, transportation, child care, and medical and mental health services that will allow them to fulfill their educational potential. That’s why UO Advocates and the Beaver Caucus are teaming up to advocate for funding for public universities, financial aid, and investments that will help students meet their basic needs through our first-ever Advocacy Challenge!
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be tallying up the actions that Ducks and Beavers take to advocate for our shared priorities. Actions include signing up as an advocate, emailing and tweeting at your legislators, and signing up for our lobby days. At the end, we’ll have a fun virtual event to tally up the results to see which team recruited the most advocates, sent the most emails, and we’ll also celebrate our collective advocacy efforts. Sign up as an advocate to make sure you receive an invite! Here are all the ways you can help us advocate throughout the challenge:
UO Advocates are students, alumni, staff, faculty, and friends of the university who volunteer their time to support students and the UO. As an advocate, you will receive timely updates on UO’s work at the federal, state, and community levels and learn how to engage directly with lawmakers to ensure a bright future for students and the university.
2. Email and tweet at your legislator about funding for public higher education in Oregon
Our public universities play a unique and important role in addressing economic inequality. When students are able to afford higher education and obtain a degree, they’re able to access opportunity. That’s why Oregon legislators must protect and expand the Public University Support Fund and the Oregon Opportunity Grant. This is a shared priority of UO and OSU.
3. Attend a legislative town hall
One of the most effective—and most underutilized—ways to communicate directly with Members of
Congress, state legislators, and local elected officials is to attend their town hall meetings. Policy makers take to heart what they hear directly from constituents who make the effort to show up at a town hall meeting.
4. Sign up for Virtual UO Day at the Capitol
Join forces virtually on May 25, 2021 with your fellow UO students, faculty, and alumni leaders to advocate for funding to help make college more affordable, accessible, and equitable, as well as legislation to support the UO and student basic needs. You can make a difference by meeting with legislators and telling them why an affordable college education matters to you. You will also get to interact with fellow students and UO alumni, learn about the legislative process, and gain valuable advocacy experience.
5. Like and follow our pages on social media
Stay up to date with the latest updates on what's happening in Salem and DC by liking our page on Facebook and following @UOAdvocates on Twitter. Already follow UO Advocates? Invite your friends to follow us!