Alumni Association Home > Past Issues > 2006 > November-December 2006	Print View

Why the change of heart? As a result of my political career, I have many friends in the Minnesota State Legislature (from both political parties) and in other elected offices. Several of these lawmakers have told me that the alumni association and the University are the most powerful and effective lobbying groups at the capitol. That struck me as odd, because other special interests spend a great deal more money on government relations than we do. However, as I considered the idea, it became clear why U advocates are so successful when lobbying for the U.

The 57,000 members of the UMAA and the 12,500 individuals who have volunteered to be part of the University’s Legislative Network live in every House and Senate district in the state. They are Democrats, Republicans, Independents; liberals, conservatives, and moderates. They represent every age group, ethnic background, and income level. In addition, I like to point out that, as U of M alumni, they are obviously well-educated. These people are not only constituents, but friends, neighbors, and colleagues of their elected officials. Is it any wonder that they can so effectively deliver the message that the University needs and deserves unwavering state support?

One other, very important fact differentiates the U’s volunteers from professional, paid lobbyists. While a hired lobbyist is loyal to his or her employer, University advocates’ motivation comes straight from the heart. We spend our time and energy encouraging lawmakers—through countless letters, calls, and personal contacts—to support the U because we understand to our core the importance of the institution: that the U is the economic engine for our state, that its researchers make discoveries every day, that its students, faculty, and staff partner with communities in every corner of the state to better lives.

Speaking from experience, I can assure you that a well-reasoned letter to or personal contact with an elected official is far more meaningful than petitions (often signed by people who don’t take the time to learn what they’re endorsing) or form letters. Legislators want to do what is best for their constituents, but they are faced with many competing, worthwhile interests. They can’t support every request, so our goal is to effectively present the case for the University of Minnesota.

I’m asking you to help present the U’s case this coming year: University president Bob Bruininks and the Board of Regents have shown impressive leadership aiming to make the U of M one of the top three public research universities in the world. An essential first step is the creation of the Minnesota Biomedical Sciences Research Facilities Authority, which would streamline the funding process for building five new research buildings in the next 10 years. Other states have passed similar initiatives, and supporting such an investment by the state will not only be a central part of the U’s advocacy effort this year, its passage is critical to Minnesota’s economy and quality of life.

Please volunteer to be part of the U’s Legislative Network. Call 612-624-3302 or visit www.SupportTheU.umn.edu.