Make the Case for UMass Amherst
Although the state is responsible for providing baseline support to the university to fuel its operations and capital infrastructure, it is incumbent upon us to do all we can to work responsibly with the legislature and the Governor to navigate this current economic climate.

The Commonwealth must be proactive in including the public research university with its core mission of research, teaching and learning in its overall goals of directing the state’s path through this economic situation and the eventual recovery.

Investing in UMass Amherst fuels the future for economic and workforce development, as we create real solutions, to real problems, in real time.

You make UMass matter to your legislators.
State legislators vote on hundreds of bills every year. They listen to their constituents' views in order to represent them, and they use your insights to form opinions and positions on the issues before them.

Educate the legislature.
Legislators are elected for 2 year terms. There is a constant ebb and flow within the legislature, but UMass as a funding priority must remain a constant. Creating a solid base of support is important and needs to be maintained despite the many changes within the State House.

Do legislators really listen to individual citizens?
Yes, they do. Your contact – visits, telephone calls, letters, and emails, with elected officials are effective. You are a vital connection between your legislators and the Amherst campus.

Legislators are stewards of the Commonwealth’s Public Research University and should continue to invest in this valuable resource. Their partnership is vital to the success of the university's mission of public research, teaching, and outreach.

Timing is everything. As the budget process moves through the respective legislative chambers, your contact with your state representative and state senator is important.

21st century legislative contact
Legislators are incorporating technology to connect with their constituents and the wide world via the web. They have personal web sites as a means to hear from constituents, and some of them are hosting blogs.

Thank you for your UMass Amherst Advocacy.