University of Oregon supporters have a new way to engage with federal, state and local elected officials about legislation that affects the university and students. It’s called UO Advocates.

UO Advocates is a new, one-stop-shop digital tool alumni across the state and nation can use to take action and ask elected officials to support the work the UO does to serve people and create tomorrow’s leaders.

The Oregon Legislature and U.S. Congress have a critical role in the UO’s operations and finances. Tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, support for undocumented students and funding for safe living and learning spaces are examples of the ways lawmakers can affect Ducks.

“As a peer advisor and Pathway Oregon student, I see firsthand how important state and federal funding is to my ability to afford college and graduate on time,” said senior Ashley McCalpin. “I had the opportunity to advocate for the university this summer, and I could tell that policymakers wanted to hear about what was happening on the ground at universities.”

The UO Advocates tool includes a video featuring students, President Michael Schill and elected officials who are UO alumni that explains why advocacy by supporters makes a difference.

“The fact is, students and alumni are the most compelling messengers to elected officials,” said Libby Batlan, associate vice president of state and community affairs. “That’s why the UO must have a strong and vocal chorus of voices tweeting, emailing and talking to them when it matters most.”

The UO Advocates website contains information and resources to aid advocates, including ways to take action and active campaigns, legislative priorities for the UO, and news advocates care about. Supporters can sign up online.