Beavers maintain the lead in the 2021 Advocacy Challenge
For the second week in a row, the Beavers have outmatched the Ducks in the 2021 Advocacy Challenge. So far, we’ve had 20 new advocates join the Caucus and take action to engage their state legislators. The Beaver Caucus even broke a record – 37 advocates sent 74 messages to 26 elected officials in support of OSU Statewides funding. The Statewide Public Service Programs include Extension Services, 4-H and Agricultural Research Stations.
“This is the largest advocacy email campaign in Beaver Caucus history,” said Andy Foster, Director of Legislative Advocacy, OSU Foundation. “Contacting your legislator using our portal is incredibly easy, and the few minutes each of these advocates took to do so really has an outsized impact and gets the attention of policymakers.”
The 2021 Advocacy Challenge is a five-week contest between the Beavers and the Ducks to see who can engage the most alumni and supporters in legislative advocacy and have the loudest (virtual) voice in Salem. Many thanks to all of you who have taken action and contacted your legislators.
While we’re still in the lead, we know the Ducks will be charging hard to catch us. Help us build our lead by visiting the 2021 Advocacy Challenge and taking part in one (or all!) advocacy activities. With easy-to-send templates, it only takes a few moments to make a big difference.
OSU Statewides Virtual Advocacy Day
On Wednesday, March 24, OSU hosted our second Virtual Advocacy Day of the 2021 Legislative Session. Over 50 advocates met throughout the day with 21 legislators. They discussed the impact of OSU’s Statewide Public Service Programs and asked legislators to support $158.5 M in operational funding for the 2021-23 biennium. With the budget decisions and allocations still being made, legislators couldn’t commit to this funding, but we did leave with statements of support for the Statewides from several legislators.
“This Statewides Public Service Day was the BEST advocacy day in my memory,” said Jeff Sherman, Program Director, OSU Open Campus. “Virtual advocacy provided the opportunity for more supporters to meet with legislators, learn about our Statewide programs, and we had positive responses from our legislators about the work of Oregon State University.”
Several of our 4-H Youth were able to participate and provide testimony about their experiences with OSU’s Statewide programs.
“Representatives were excited to hear from us,” said Lindsay Davis, Office Manager, Clatsop Co. Extension Office. “It really makes an impact to have [elected officials] hear from the 4-H student participants in our program.”
OSU’s impact is truly statewide, with OSU Extension offices and services in every county. Learn more here.
Advocating for Student Success
Investing in our students and offering them critical programs and resources to ensure their success is the core mission of OSU. The Public University Support Fund (PUSF) is the primary fund for state support of operational expenses at Oregon’s public universities. A $900 million investment in the PUSF will help universities cover costs, shield students from significant tuition increases and help maintain critical wrap-around services for all Oregon college students including those at OSU. Please urge your legislators to support the PUSF.
The Student Success Center on the OSU-Cascades campus will provide critical student support including counseling and career services that will enable students to graduate on time and advance in their professions. A budget request of $13.8 million in state bonds, matched by an additional $5 million in student fees will allow the campus to meet the needs of its growing student population.
At OSU we strive to deliver academic excellence while focusing on student retention and success. Please urge your legislators to support the OSU-Cascades Student Success Center. These efforts will make a difference in the lives of our students.
Advocate for Student Success Center
Go Beavs!
Sincerely,
Bill Perry
President
The Beaver Caucus is an independent, alumni-led organization. It is a 501(c)4 with an independent board of directors. The Caucus works closely with the OSU Foundation to engage alumni and supporters, giving them the opportunity to amplify their voice and have a substantive impact on state government.
