You're an Advocate. Now What?
As a NU Advocate, we want to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to help make a difference. And our Advocates Action Center has all the tools you need. Take a look through, and if there’s something you think we should add, please let us know at externalrelations@nebraska.edu.
The Nebraska Legislature
The Nebraska Legislature is the only unicameral in the United States, which means it only has one house—most states have two, a House and a Senate.
Its members are called “senators”, and the legislature officially recognized no party affiliation. With 49 members, it is also the smallest state legislature of any U.S. state.
Click the link below to download the Nebraska Legislature Lookbook, which contains a history of the unicameral, information on observing the legislature, a roster of current senators, an overview of the legislative process, a glossary of legislative terms and more.
Nebraska Legislature FAQs
Have a question about the Nebraska Legislature or the legislative process? Browse frequently asked questions and answers on the Nebraska Legislature website.
Glossary of Legislative Terms
Review a collection of legislative terms and definitions.
Unicameral Update
Stay engaged with the Unicameral and work of Nebraska's lawmakers all year long. The Unicameral Update—the Legislature's official news source—covers legislative activities from floor actions to committee hearings.
What Advocates Do
When you become an NU Advocate, you amplify the conversation about investing in the University of Nebraska.
Here’s what you can expect when you join the effort, and how you can make the most of your actions.
Find the handles of your state senators and tag them on posts that talk about how the University of Nebraska has impacted you. Share positive NU news in your feed to help spread the word. Be sure to use our hashtag: #NUforNE.
Attend Events
Attend Events
Look for emails about events like our “I Love NU” Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Or, attend bill hearings at the Rotunda to get more informed. When NU Advocates show up at the State Capitol, it sends a powerful message to legislators.
Call or Send an Email
Emails and phone calls are effective ways to reach state senators. If you're not able to speak directly with a senator, talk to a staff member or leave a message. Include your name and number and share why the University is important to you.
Show University Pride
All new NU Advocates will receive a welcome packet with a window cling to help share your University pride. Use the cling on your car to show your support of the University of Nebraska.
Advocacy Resources
Before you can successfully advocate, you’ll want to know a little about the University of Nebraska and our goals. Below are three documents that will give you information about our strategic plan, our economic impact, and some key statistics. (These are also great to share with others or on social media!)
NU's Five-Year Strategy
The Five-Year Strategy articulates key priorities and offers specific targets against which to measure progress. These priorities are highly relevant and will help define the future of higher education in our state.
Key Facts About the University
Download a copy of our Key Facts handout, which contains a wide range of facts statistics on the university's impact on our state.
Economic Impact Report
In 2021, Tripp Umbach, a leading national consultant with expertise in economic impact studies, conducted an independent analysis of our impact on the state’s economic and social vitality. Click here to read the report.
Impact by District
Learn more about the university's impact in your legislative district, including economic impact and numbers of students, alumni and NU employees.
Share your story or point of view.
Our Stories
"NUforNE" Impact Stories
Our faculty, staff, students and alums are addressing real-world problems with innovative, thoughtful solutions. Read over 50 stories, sortable by campus and topic.
Our podcasts share the stories of people across the NU System who are touching lives and making an impact. Listen on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
"Shaping the Future" Magazine
From fighting infectious disease to developing our workforce, feeding a growing world to keeping our country safe, we come together to move our state forward.
Your Story
Your story is just as personal and powerful as the ones shared above. Take a moment to tell it to your senator—and share why it’s important to invest in the University of Nebraska.
It only takes a few minutes to send a personal email or make a phone call. And we’ll even walk you through how to do it.
Social Media Toolkit
Social Media and Advocacy
Social media is a powerful tool for advocates to use. When used to support advocacy efforts, social media can spread information, reinforce relationships among supporters, promoting participatory dialogue, and strengthen collective action.
Follow the University of Nebraska System
Be sure to follow the NU System's official social media channels at the links below. We share stories every day highlighting the university's impact—and we invite you to share those stories, too.
#NUforNE
We encourage all members of the university community to share stories about the university’s impact on social media. Find the handles of your state senators and tag them on posts that talk about how the University of Nebraska has impacted you. Share positive NU news in your feed to help spread the word. Be sure to use our hashtag: #NUforNE.
"I Love NU" Profile and Cover Photos
Facebook Profile Photo Frame
Did you know? You can add an “I Love NU” frame to your Facebook profile picture! Just click the camera icon to the right of your profile picture, select “Add Frame,” search for “‘I Love NU’ by University of Nebraska,” and choose your campus color.
You can make an impact by voting.
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