Government Relations

Government and Community Relations

Engaging government officials and community stakeholders is a critical tool that helps builds awareness and support for your work and that of the University as a whole. 

Learn how to effectively communicate and build support for your program/research with tools and tips such as:

• Crafting powerful messages vs reporting out data
• How to advance science-based policy
• Creating vibrant one-pagers
• Hosting tours and site visits
• Expanding your network - volunteers
• Requesting testimonials from participants or stakeholders
• Sharing your story using Public Value Statements and Condition Changes
• Identifying local champions

Request a training

Recent topics include:

• "Hard time describing UC ANR? Learn some tips to avoid making it a mouthful" slide deck ; video
• "Government 101: building relationships with elected officials and developing support for your program"
• "Master Gardener’s 40th Anniversary: Spreading the News!"

Share your engagements and events

Extract all possible benefits from your events and engagements by allowing us to help build your network and further cultivate relationships with elected officials, communicate your successes to the public and throughout UC (news stories, blog posts, media contacts).

Advocacy Opportunities

Ag Day at the Capitol

Held generally the third week of March, this is one of the most anticipated events held on the Capitol Grounds in Sacramento. Legislators representing both rural and urban districts visit with agricultural organizations and experience first-hand the value of working lands in the state. UC ANR has a strong presence where researchers, 4-H youth, and community educators showcase UC's impacts. 4-H youth and their projects are highly popular, and our various displays of citrus, avocados, and drones bring thoughtful questions. 

UC ANR Day at the Capitol

A new event as of 2019, UC ANR's advocacy day at the capitol is generally held in late March/early April. Teams of UC ANR academics, staff, program participants and leadership meet with various legislative offices in the state capitol to describe the work and value UC ANR brings to the state.

CARET trip to Washington, D.C.

The annual Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET), a subsection of the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU), organizes a coordinated week of higher education agricultural advocacy with Congressional Members.  Led by Vice President Glenda Humiston and joined by UC ANR academics and staff and external stakeholders, we meet with the majority of our 52 member delegation in Congress and advocate for issues important to UC.