WashU Advocates is a collaborative group of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who support WashU’s mission by connecting with government officials and sharing impactful stories to help solve pressing problems in our region, state, and nation.
The Challenge
WashU’s mission of teaching, research and patient care touches individuals in communities and neighborhoods every day. By sharing personal stories about the ways WashU serves our communities, WashU Advocates powerfully communicate how the University is an asset, providing positive impacts on, and improving the lives of all Missourians and beyond.
In alignment with WashU’s Here and Next strategic plan, the new WashU Advocates program empowers our community to drive greater impact with their elected officials, strengthen WashU’s connection with all levels of government and generate transformative solutions to deep societal challenges.
Why Join WashU Advocates?
Get Action Alerts
Get communication alerts including calls to action on legislation that could impact the University.
Resources & Training
Access to tools to easily contact elected officials and receive training on how to effectively advocate for the University.
Be “In the Know”
Receive year-round behind-the-scenes updates about higher education policy issues, legislative actions in Jefferson City, Washington, D.C., and St. Louis that impact WashU.
More Ways to Get Involved
Guidance on Political, Campaign and Lobbying Activity
Learn about hosting government officials and staff, candidates and campaign representatives, and other political guests.
This guidance assists members of the university community in understanding restrictions on lobbying and campaign activity and requirements for hosting events on campus that involve elected officials or political candidates in either their campaign or official government capacities.
Engaging with Policymakers
Faculty and staff who wish to or anticipate engaging with policymakers in an official capacity should inform the Government Relations team in advance. By law, those interactions must be included in quarterly reporting the university is required to file. WashU’s Government Relations team can also offer guidance on how to effectively engage with elected officials or agency leadership, support written testimony production and witness preparations, and – if necessary – accompany faculty or staff in meetings with policymakers and their staff.
