January 21, 2010
New resource will facilitate advocacy for UW
A new resource, sponsored by the UW Alumni Association, is working to create greater awareness of the UW’s contributions and provide opportunities to communicate the university’s value to elected officials, the news media and friends.
The resource, UW Impact, has its own Web site, www.uwimpact.org.
As an independent, non-profit corporation, the Alumni Association can lobby and advocate for the UW in ways that would be impossible for the university itself, or any of its employees, to do using state resources or equipment.
UW Impact is intended to be a grassroots organization. It was authorized by the Alumni Association Board of Trustees in November. Those who participate need not be alumni or members of the association.
The board has created a legislative advocacy committee to lead UW Impact. The committee will meet regularly to discuss issues affecting the viability of the UW and decide what steps the organization will take.
UW Impact will send alerts regarding issues emerging in the State Legislature or state government with recommended action. It will also provide updates about the activities in Olympia, issues of high priority to the UW, and an “advocate’s toolkit” with detailed information that could be of use in contacting legislators. News about important federal issues also will be available on the site.
“We have created UW Impact in response to the state of Washington’s current economic environment and the resulting impact on higher education funding,” says Eddie Pasatiempo, president of the UW Alumni Association. “The 24-member UW Alumni Association Board of Trustees developed this civic engagement effort and ensured it aligned with the mission of the UW Alumni Association: dedicated to enriching the lives of UW alumni and friends and supporting the advancement of higher education in the state of Washington. Now more than ever the UW needs the citizens of Washington who care for the future of the state, and this great university, to stand up and make their voices heard. We will empower people by providing them with information and showing them how they can be most effective in working with elected officials. Given the state’s economic challenges, we cannot leave any stone unturned in finding ways to make a difference.”
University of Washington employees are reminded that they may not use University facilities, phones, computers, or computer systems (such as email and the internet) for purposes of political advocacy.
