Call Your State and Federal Officials with These Messages
Phone calls are an easy and effective way to connect with your officials. You can find contact information for your officials here.
Call the main number and ask to speak with the aide who handles higher education issues. If that person is unavailable, leave a voicemail message or convey these ideas to the staff member answering the phone.
Below, find samples to help guide your conversation. If possible, boost your impact by taking just a few minutes to make it more personal with these quick tips and suggestions. As a reminder, public employees should not use their work emails or phone numbers to take political action. Even from private accounts, you may need to make clear that you are speaking as a private citizen and not on behalf of your employer.
Call Your State Officials with These Messages
Restore Funding for Public Higher Education
“Hello, my name is [Insert Your Full Name] and I am a constituent from [Insert City/Town/Zip Code/Ask what other information is needed to log your message]. In the year ahead, I know that [Representative/ Senator/ Governor Title + Last Name] will face tough decisions.
That’s why I want [Representative/Senator/Governor Title + Last Name] to know that I believe investments in higher education that include the arts and sciences are extremely important to the future of this state. Please keep me informed on [his/her/their] priorities for post-secondary education and thank you for your time.”
Respond Productively When Your Official Publically Disparages the Arts and Sciences
“Hello, my name is [Insert Your Full Name] and I am a constituent from [Insert City/Town/Zip Code/Ask what other information is needed to log your message]. I saw [Representative/Senator/Governor Title + Last Name’s] recent comments about the arts and sciences in [Insert Source]. I am calling to convey that I strongly support a well-rounded arts and sciences education for today’s students.
As a state, we do need to provide vocational training and opportunities, but practical skills and technological advancements alone will not solve our state’s most pressing problems. We need a strong base of human understanding to drive innovation and our economic growth. In short, we need to ensure access to quality arts and sciences education for students as well.
I hope [he/she/they] will reconsider [his/her/their] position and please keep me informed of [his/her/their] post-secondary education priorities. Thank you for your time.”
Call Your Federal Officials with These Messages
Request Support for Doubling the Pell Grant
“Hello, my name is [Insert Your Full Name] and I am a constituent from [Insert City/Town/Zip Code/Ask what other information is needed to log your message]. I am calling to express my support for doubling the Pell Grant and to request that [Insert Representative/Senator +Last Name] support efforts to double the Pell Grant this Congress.
The Pell Grant supports nearly seven million students as they pursue higher education degrees and has been supporting students for over 50 years. Additionally, nearly 50% of student parents and first-generation students are Pell Grant recipients, and 40% of student veterans receive Pell Grants.
I know that [Representative/Senator + Last Name] will face difficult decisions this Congress, and I hope that [he/her/they] will support doubling the Pell Grant. Please keep me informed of [his/her/their] priorities and any actions they take on this issue. Thank you for your time.”
Thank Members for Past Support for the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities
“Hello, my name is [Insert Your Full Name] and I am a constituent from [Insert City/Town/Zip Code/Ask what other information is needed to log your message]. I am calling to express my thanks to [Insert Representative/Senator +Last Name] for supporting historic funding levels for the National Endowment for the Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts in the past fiscal year.
The NEH and NEA strengthen the cultural infrastructure of communities like ours and have an impact in every Congressional district in the nation. Funding for these agencies allow them to continue their vital work.
I know that [Representative/Senator + Last Name] will face difficult decisions this Congress, and I hope that [he/her/they] will continue to support funding for our cultural agencies. Please keep me informed of [his/her/their] priorities and any actions they take on this issue. Thank you for your time.”
Tips and Suggestions to Make Your Call More Personal:
- Keep your message as short, simple, and specific as possible. If you can, reference pending legislation in your state or specific budget line items.
- Tell a brief personal anecdote when possible to showcase how the issue impacts your area.
- Ask for a response by indicating that you would appreciate a reply on the issue.
- Follow up when appropriate by thanking your legislator when you agree with their votes or informing them when you disagree.
