Activities
Once your goals are defined, try these tactics:
Identify key decision makers
Who are the decision makers that can implement the policy change you're advocating? The target of your efforts could also be a group of several different people.
Identify decision makers who are receptive to your ideas
In addition to determining who the person and persons are who have jurisdiction over the policy, try to find out who might be receptive or sympathetic to your cause. What is the chancellor's, president's, or dean's background? Does she or he have a personal or professional connection to this issue? Also, try looking at current university policies that are indirectly related to your cause-know which administrators are in favor of or against the ideas you are advocating.
Here are some ways to begin the process and make yourself heard with decision makers:
Send an Introductory Letter
In the absence of a personal relationship, you might have to introduce yourself to the university or other administrator with a letter before you can have a meeting in person
Sample Letter
Dear __________,
I am a [student/parent/university employee/community member] concerned about the impact of alcohol problems in our community. As you may know, the rate of binge drinking and other alcohol-related problems among college students have reached alarming levels. Drinking by college students contributes to an estimated 1,400 student deaths, 70,000 cases of sexual assault, and 500,000 injuries each year. Here at [name of university] , [insert statistic or anecdote here] . I believe that the school can take steps to fight this problem and I would like an opportunity to meet with you to discuss some ideas. I will call your office soon to follow up and request a meeting.
Universities across the country have implemented successful strategies such as [discuss the policy you would like to see here] . This would be a great start in reducing our alcohol-related problems.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Other key points to make:
- Connections with the university, e.g. alumni, donor, etc.
- Specific policy change for which you are asking
- Potential effect of the change
Make a Personal Visit
Here are a few tips for a successful meeting:
Let the person who is scheduling the meeting know who you are, whom you represent, and what you would like to discuss.
Prepare for your visit by thinking about what you want the decision maker to know and what you want to see happen. Be prepared with a specific suggestion.
Come to the meeting with a small, diverse group of community members who support your goals and represent different interests, like an administrator, student, parent, business owner, or clergy member.
- Bring visuals and materials
Bring materials that you think will help your case. Visuals, such as copies of flyers about an alcohol industry sponsored event on campus or an ad from the school newspaper, can speak volumes.
After the visit, follow up with the decision maker. Send a thank you note and consider including additional information and materials that support your position.
Next Step: Off-Campus Organizing: Working in the Community |
