ADVOCACY

As a central part of our advocacy efforts, we value our ability to amplify the student voice by communicating our experiences to representatives. SUNY SA makes students better advocates by providing the tools to successfully make our voices heard. Below we have provided a list of state representatives for each SUNY Institution along with advocacy tips. 

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Advocacy Tips 

• Try to stick to one typewritten page, two pages at most. Don't write on the back of a page. If writing longhand, take care to write legibly.

• Use your own words and your own stationery. A personal letter is better than a form letter.

• In a short first paragraph, state your purpose. Stick with one subject or issue. Support your position with the rest of the letter.

• If a bill is a subject, cite it by both name and number. Try not to use acronyms or clichés.

• Be factual and support your position with information about how legislation is likely to affect you and others. Avoid emotional, philosophical arguments.

• If you believe that legislation is wrong and should be opposed, say so. Indicate the likely adverse effects and suggest a better approach.

• Ask the legislator's views, but do not demand support. Remember that the Senator and Representative respond to a variety of views, and even if your position is not supported on one issue or bill now, it may be the next time.

• Be sure to include your address and sign your name legibly. You should also include your telephone number. If you have any family, business, or political connection in regard to this issue, explain it. It may serve as an identification when your point of view is considered.

• Write also about legislation of which you approve. Legislators hear mostly from constituents who are against something; this gives them a one-sided picture of their constituency. A note of appreciation will make your legislator remember you favorably next time you write.

• Write early in the session before a bill has been introduced if you have some ideas that you would like to see included in legislation. If you are "lobbying" for or against a bill and your legislator is a member of the Committee to which it has been referred, write when the Committee begins hearings. If you legislator is not a member of the Committee handling the bill, write just before the bill is scheduled to come to the floor for debate and vote.

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