Student Resources for Advocacy

Student Ambassadors: Be a Voice for WashU in our State and Nation’s Capitols.

The WashU Advocates Bears Caucus (“Bears Caucus”) is a newly established student organization affiliated with the Office of Government and Community Relations. Bears Caucus is designed to educate students about legislation affecting the university and the role of advocates in advancing the university’s mission. Bears Caucus members will serve as student ambassadors for WashU’s interests to local, state, and federal officials.

Student Activities

• Educational Programs: Bears Caucus members will deepen their knowledge of state and federal legislative processes, gain resume building experience with advocacy campaigns, and apply new skills in their academic and professional careers,
• Engagement with Legislators: Bears Caucus members will meet with federal and state legislators, share their stories, and promote WashU’s impact. Students will also help organize advocacy events in Washington D.C. and Jefferson City, Missouri.
• Student Outreach: As student ambassadors, Bears Caucus members will also engage fellow students, update other student organizations on legislation affecting the university, and encourage broader student participation in WashU Advocates activities.

Membership

Bear Caucus welcomes undergraduate and graduate students from all backgrounds and majors. For more information or to apply, please email advocates@wustl.edu.

Register to Vote

WashU encourages students to participate in democratic processes, enhance their civic engagement and influence public policy. WashU Votes, part of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement, partners with TurboVote to makes voter registration easy for all members of the WashU community. TurboVote supports users across all 50 states and DC. Sign up for election reminders and get help with voter registration and voting by mail — all in one place.

Attend an Interactive Advocacy Workshop on Campus

In this future workshop, hosted by the Office of Government and Community Relations, WashU students will immerse themselves in real-life policy scenarios through interactive advocacy role-play, and receive direct guidance and feedback throughout. Students will learn critical advocacy skills, including how to craft compelling personal stories, define their ask, and clearly articulate their goals. The workshop will include a question-and-answer session, providing students with the opportunity to engage with Government Relations team members and gain additional advocacy skills and experience.