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
“Hi, my name is [Your Name] from [City, State]. I’m calling as a constituent to urge [Governor/Representative/Senator Name] to make funding for higher education a priority.
Investing in colleges and universities strengthens our state by supporting regional economies, attracting student spending, fostering research and innovation, preparing a skilled workforce, and contributing to civic and cultural life. State funding ensures these institutions can continue delivering real economic, social, and community benefits that our residents rely on.
Thank you for your time.”
Protect Academic Freedom & Shared Governance
“Hi, my name is [Your Name] from [City, State]. I’m calling as a constituent to ask [Governor or Legislator Name] to protect academic freedom and shared governance in [State] by [supporting/opposing] [Bill or Policy Name/Number if known].
Public colleges and universities drive economic growth, support workforce needs, contribute to civic life, and strengthen cultural institutions. Protecting academic freedom and shared governance ensures they can continue producing these results and delivering value to communities and the state’s economy.
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] higher 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 [Name], and I’m a constituent from [City, State]. I’m also a graduate of [insert college/university].
I’m calling to urge [Senator/Representative] [Last Name] to fully fund the Pell Grant program. Pell Grants are essential to keeping college affordable and ensuring opportunity is based on talent, not income.
With rising college costs and a projected funding shortfall, failing to fully fund Pell would put higher education further out of reach for many students. Protecting and strengthening Pell is one of the most effective ways Congress can support students, economic mobility, and our nation’s long-term prosperity.
Thank you for sharing this message with [Senator/Representative] [Last Name].”
Optional personalization (one sentence to add):
-
“As a Pell recipient, this support made it possible for me to complete my degree and enter my career.”
-
“Even though I didn’t receive Pell, I saw firsthand how it helped classmates stay enrolled and graduate.”
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.
