Sample Letter to Elected Officials

Note: Per UT policy, faculty and staff members must speak as constituents or
private citizens rather than UT employees on behalf of the University.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City/State/Zip]

[Insert Date]

The Honorable [Full Name]
[Insert Address]
Nashville, TN 37243

Dear [Senator/Representative/Governor/Congressman Last Name]:

[Tell Your UT Story! Introduce yourself as a constituent and a [student/alumnus/friend of the University of Tennessee]. Tell your elected official why UT is important to you or how your UT degree has helped you. Mention any personal connection you may have to the elected official].

As a [student/alumnus/ friend of UT], I am writing to urge your continued support for the University of Tennessee System as you and other members of the state legislature continue your work on the [fill in the issue].

As an elected leader you will be facing numerous challenging issues and decisions this session. The economic climate may make funding difficult for many government services. However, it is critical to the state’s future that the University of Tennessee continue to attract and retain the best faculty members, provide quality facilities, maintain access for Tennessee students, and generate high-quality graduates to move Tennessee forward.

I ask for any positive actions you may be able to take on behalf of the University of Tennessee during this session and into the future. I hope you recognize—as I certainly do—that your vote for the University of Tennessee is a vote for every Tennessean.

Thank you for supporting UT and representing the people of Tennessee.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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Sample Thank You Note

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City/State/Zip]

[Insert Date]

The Honorable [Full Name]
[Insert Address]
Nashville, TN 37243

Dear [Senator/Representative/Governor/Congressman Last Name]:

I appreciate you taking the time to [visit with me/respond to my message] about [issue], and for listening to all the reasons that I believe UT is one of the state’s most valuable assets.

[Re-state your position on the issue you discussed].

Your support for UT can help move Tennessee forward. I look forward to [visiting with/corresponding with] you again in the near future.

Thank you for serving the people of Tennessee.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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