President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., knows the University’s government relations team will walk into the office of a legislator and advocate for the University. But when alumni and other constituents show up, their presence adds another level of credibility and influence.
To increase that influence, in the fall of 2014, FAMU launched the Rattler Impact website (http://RattlerImpact.famu.edu), which aims to widen the University’s network of advocates. Rattler Impact provides a venue for alumni, students, employees, donors, and friends of FAMU to learn about the University’s legislative agenda and connect with elected officials on issues affecting the University.
“We need advocates who are passionate about the University, its mission and its impact and are willing to tell their lawmakers why FAMU and higher education are important,” Mangum said.
In terms of support, Mangum added that the role of advocates is essential.
“Outside the legislative session, the best way advocates can help is to be ambassadors for FAMU in their local communities,” she said.
During the legislative session, advocates will receive periodic email updates and are provided resources with talking points they can use to contact their elected representatives in Tallahassee or at home in their respective district offices.
Currently, nearly 350 Rattlers have signed on to become advocates for the University, with a goal to widen our network and influence to at least 1,000 advocates by the end of 2017.
As a Rattler advocate, you will remain apprised of the latest issues facing higher education in Florida and will be contacted when your help is needed to express concerns to state legislators.
Here’s how to get started.
- Educate yourself! Arm yourself with the facts and information about higher education issues in Florida.
- Share! Share the facts with neighbors, colleagues, community members, and your alumni association and become an advocate and a subscriber to the Rattler Impact emails. Voice support in local newspapers, blogs, and radio shows. Tell friends about it on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Urge organizations to post and share a link to The Rattler Impact. Be an advocate for Florida A&M University in everything you say and do.
- Drive it home! Pick up the phone, write a letter, or send an email telling your state legislator why Florida A&M University and higher education funding is so critical to the revitalization of this great state.
- Stay informed! We’ll keep you informed about the latest issues and let you know when your help is needed to get the word out to state legislators. Also, subscribe to the FAMUFoward to stay updated on all things FAMU.
Signing up for Rattler Impact is easy, and can be accomplished in less than three clicks of your computer mouse. Just log on to http://RattlerImpact.famu.edu, click on the “Join Rattler Impact” button across the top, and enter your contact information.