Key into what you can do.

Dear [Governor/Representative/Senator] [Insert Last Name]:

As a constituent living in [City/Town], I am writing to welcome you [back (if policymaker re-elected)] to your office. I look forward to hearing more about your post-election priorities for our state.

I know that you will face tough fiscal and legislative decisions in the months ahead. I hope you will keep in mind the value of higher education investments to individual students and their families, and the broader benefits to our community. For most graduates and their communities, a higher education – including well-rounded arts and sciences education – offers clear benefits. For each additional college graduate, the annual GDP of [Insert State] will increase by approximately [Insert Data from National College Attainment Network]. In the long term, college graduates contribute more in taxes and are less likely to require government support services. College graduates are also more likely to volunteer, contribute to philanthropy, and vote.  

This upcoming year, I hope that you will make higher education a priority. Again, congratulations on your election [re-election if returning] and please keep me informed about your activities.

Sincerely,

[Name

Address, City, Zip

Phone]

Dear [Governor/ Representative/ Senator] [Insert Last Name]:

As a constituent living in [City/Town], I am urging you to make funding for higher education a priority in the next fiscal year.

I know that you will face tough decisions in the months ahead. That’s why I want you to know that I believe investments in higher education that include the arts and sciences are extremely important to the present and future of this state.

Colleges and universities drive regional and national economies by being major employers, attracting student spending, and fostering innovation through research and development. They also prepare a skilled workforce, contribute to local culture, and engage in civic and community development. Through global collaborations and public-private partnerships, these institutions help shape industries, strengthen economies, and promote social responsibility.

I firmly believe that we need to ensure that more of our state’s young people can access a quality higher education that prepares them for all of life. Again, I urge you to work with your colleagues to make funding for higher education that includes the arts and sciences a priority.

Please keep me informed about your efforts.

Sincerely,

[Name

Address, City, Zip

Phone]

Dear [Governor/ Representative/ Senator] [Insert Last Name]:

As a constituent living in [City/Town], I am urging you to protect academic freedom in [Insert state].

Free inquiry and expression are essential to our state and nation’s democracy and culture, and institutions of higher education are vital in protecting these values. Academic freedom has allowed higher education institutions to create and discover knowledge, and to transmit that knowledge to growing numbers of students who go on to live meaningful, productive, and socially engaged lives.

I am concerned about the future of higher education as academic freedom faces increasing challenges across the country. Students achieve the highest level of learning when they can explore a wide range of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. This is best accomplished when the design of curricula and academic programs are left to faculty and higher education administrations. While this learning can be challenging, it provides lasting benefits for both individuals and their communities. Protecting the freedom to engage with diverse and even controversial ideas is a cornerstone of our democracy and essential to advancing both science and the humanities.

Academic freedom is vital to the development of skills and knowledge that bolster the strength of our citizens and communities. I urge you to work alongside your colleagues to advocate for the value of academic freedom in higher education and protect it in [Insert state].

I greatly appreciate your attention to this issue and ask that you keep me informed about your efforts.

Sincerely,

[Name

Address, City, Zip

Phone]

Dear Governor/ Senator/ Representative [Insert Last Name]:

As a constituent living in [Insert City/Town], I saw your recent comments about the arts and sciences in [insert local source]. I want to take this opportunity to convey why I strongly support access to a well-rounded arts and sciences education for today’s students.

The arts and sciences prepare students for a lifetime of success by developing inventive employees and thoughtful citizens. Students majoring in the arts and sciences see bigger increases in the types of skills employers want when hiring: critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing skills. 

Research has shown time and again that workers with a college education typically earn more than those without a degree. With a college education, students establish an educational foundation that enables them to grow and to innovate both in their careers and in their communities.

As a state, we do need to provide vocational training and opportunities. But practical skills and technological advancements will not solve our state’s most pressing problems alone. 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 science education for students as well. 

I hope you will reconsider your position and please keep me informed about your efforts.

Sincerely yours,

[Insert Name

Address, City, Zip

Phone, Email]