Political Advocacy: Current Issues and Ethical Practices
For articles on current issues of concern to retirees, see: Updates from the Legislation & Benefits Committee
How to find your state and national representatives
Don’t know your state legislator or your district? Use this website.
How to find your representative in Congress
How to talk to elected officials
- Tips on advocacy from AARP
UW Impact
UW Impact, organized by the UW Alumni Association, is a legislative advocacy program dedicated to mobilizing UW alumni and friends on behalf of the UW and public higher education in Washington. Note: UW employees and retirees may not use state resources, including UW-owned offices, computers or email accounts, for political activity.
Ethical practices for employees and retirees of the UW
What rules govern advocacy for current UW employees?
You do not give up your rights as a citizen when you become an employee of the state of Washington. However, your political activity must occur on your own (e.g., non-work) time using your own resources (your computer at home, your non-UW email). Use of state (i.e., university) resources for political activity is prohibited under law.
What rules govern advocacy for UW retirees?
As a retiree, you are free to express yourself politically in any way that you see fit. If you maintain a UW office and/or a UW email account, you may not use them for political activity.
Resources on advocacy for state employees:
- Washington State Ethics in Public Service Act, the state law governing political activity by state employees
- Public Agency Lobbying, activities that must be reported, as described by the UW Office of State Relations
- Political Campaigning FAQ, UW Medicine—while written for UW Medicine employees, much of the information is relevant for all UW employees
Resources for issues concerning the UW and public higher education
- UW Office of Planning & Budgeting Bill Tracker shows pending legislation that may affect UW departments
- UW Office of State Relations, which lobbies on behalf of the UW, posts periodic updates on activities in Olympia.
Information on issues at the state and federal level affecting retirees
- Retired Public Employees Council of Washington—This statewide organization, founded in 1971, has as its mission “to promote the interests of retired state, county, city and local government employees.” During the state legislative session it produces a weekly newsletter.
- AARP—AARP’s advocacy page provides current information on federal proposals that would affect retirees generally.
UWRA’s Legislation and Benefits Committee monitors issues of concern to UW retirees. New committee members are always welcome! Contact UWRA if you’d like more information.
