The Action
UKAN make a difference.
Who?
Alumni, employees, students and friends of UK. More...
Developed by the University of Kentucky department of Government Relations, UKAN works very closely with the UK Alumni Association and other friends of the University to involve alumni, employees, students and friends of UK in our legislative agenda.
What?
Build relationships and communicate with their legislators in the Kentucky General Assembly regarding issues of importance to the University of Kentucky and higher education. More...
UKAN serves as a pipeline of information to the UK family on legislative issues important to the University of Kentucky and higher education. Volunteer Advocates within UKAN then carry on that information to their Senator and Representative in the Kentucky General Assembly.
Why?
Legislators are most likely to listen to their own constituents. UKAN Advocates help secure the awareness and support the University of Kentucky needs to succeed and reach Top 20 status, as mandated by the Kentucky General Assembly in House Bill 1. (pdf) More...
In 1997, the Kentucky General Assembly passed House Bill 1, which mandated that the University of Kentucky achieve Top 20 status. However, the percentage of funding that we receive from the State has continued to decrease. Legislators are most likely to listen to the people who elected them to serve in the Kentucky General Assembly. Therefore, the goal of UKAN is to mobilize an informed constituency and create a groundswell in support, or opposition to, a particular issue important to UK.
How?
UKAN Advocates will not only develop relationships with their legislators, but they will also have timely information on priority issues at the University of Kentucky. Our Governmental Relations Department will release specific Calls to Action that will provide the data and direction that Advocates will use to effectively communicate with their legislators.
Calls to Action:
Calls to action are infrequent but carefully timed around issues in the General Assembly and require immediate attention. The most important part of this program is your participation. Calls to action are issued by e-mail, telephone and mail. They will describe the current issue and the University of Kentucky’s position, give clear instructions for contacting your legislator and include a request for feedback to the Government Relations staff. Unless otherwise instructed, use the communication method you are most comfortable with to communicate quickly and effectively. Although it may not be feasible to schedule a meeting with a legislator on short notice, face-to-face contact is the most effective means of communication. It is extremely important that the Government Relations staff receive any information concerning the position of your legislator on the issue at hand.