Newly elected to the House of Representatives, Metro State graduate Joe Rice talked about communicating via e-mail with legislators.

In a lively interactive workshop last Saturday, more than 60 Metro State alumni, students, faculty and staff were taken through the process of grassroots advocacy in the sunny LoRaine Good Room of the Tivoli. Sponsored by the Metro State Alumni Action Task Force (AATF), the seminar, “Grassroots Advocacy 101: Support Metro State at the Capitol,” provided hands-on information and a series of speakers well-versed in effective advocacy.

The welcome breakfast at 9:30 a.m. gave people a chance to mingle, eat and sip coffee before taking their seats. Alumni Association Board President Gerie Grimes spoke first, citing the association’s vision statement of creating “a network of connected alumni who call others to action in support of the College” as the driving force behind the day’s activities.

Christine Staberg, founding partner of The Capstone Group, directs state and federal regulatory and legislative work on behalf of Metro State and other clients. As a professional lobbyist, she gave a thorough overview of how the state legislature works, how a bill becomes law and the role of the joint budget committee.

More than 60 members of the Metro State community attended the session.

“The state legislature is dramatically different than the federal legislature,” Staberg said. She explained that because state legislators work part-time, often without support staff, focused, direct communication is a must in interacting with them.

Her five rules of advocacy drove home the need for effective communication:

1. Advocacy means speaking up.
2. Learn to think in terms of a 51 percent majority.
3. Keep three audiences in mind: legislators, media and other voters.
4. Be sure they hear you.
5. Always keep the door open for next time.

Christine Staberg of The Capstone Group shared her five rules for advocacy.

After lunch, President Stephen Jordan spoke to the key issues Metro State faces in providing a united front to legislators.

“Higher education is not a politically based issue,” Jordan said. “We need to give reasons for both parties to support higher education.”

Foremost is the need to advocate for all state-funded institutions. “As the tide rises, all boats are raised,” Jordan said.

Terrence Carroll, Colorado state representative for House District 7 and chair of the Metro State caucus, addressed the issue of communicating with your legislator, stressing “the sincerity of the letter, the sincerity of the contact” as key. Alumnus Joe Rice (’89, history), representative-elect for District 38, added his advice about communicating through e-mail: In the subject line, be “clear, concise and compelling.”

A role-playing session gave the audience a chance to see the day’s learning in action. Two volunteers practiced speaking to the legislators briefly and with impact. Questions and answers followed before the attendees were sent home with a gift and a packet of useful handouts.

Rep. Terrence Carroll, chair of the Metro State caucus, stressed that sincerity is essential.

For more information about the advocacy effort, contact Stefanie Carroll, assistant director of the Office of Alumni Relations, at 303-556-6935 or scarro17@mscd.edu.