Buckeye Government Advocates
Buckeye Government Advocates
Our advocacy program prepares alumni and friends of Ohio State to build relationships and effectively engage with decision-makers on behalf of our university.
What does it mean to be a Buckeye Government Advocate?
As an Advocate, you’ll become familiar with the challenges and issues facing higher education and directly impacting The Ohio State University. Be the voice of Buckeye Nation.
Take action as a Buckeye Government Advocate
Become familiar with your elected officials in all levels of government. Elected officials count on their constituents to speak to them about what matters in their communities. Developing relationships with your local representatives is the best way to have a positive influence on the policymaking process and promote Ohio State.
Federal
State
Find your State Representative
Local
How has Ohio State impacted your life? Personal stories have the ability to shape public policy. Your story is a powerful way to illustrate your support for Buckeye Nation. Contact your representatives today and let them know how Ohio State has positively impacted you.
After signing up, be on the lookout for our Advocates Newsletter and call-to-action alerts so that you have the latest information on policy issues. You'll be the first to know when it’s time to stand up in support of Ohio State.
Join your local alumni club or society and plan legislative advocacy activities in your district.
Voting is the most important aspect of being a Buckeye Advocate. Make sure you're a registered voter.
Advocacy events
Our events play an important role in keeping you up to date on issues of focus for our university. These events emphasize the importance of connecting Advocates with university thought leaders, and in many cases, create opportunities for you to engage with elected officials.
Scarlet and Gray Congressional Fundraiser
Federal
The Scarlet and Gray Congressional Breakfast and Scholarship Fundraiser is an opportunity for us to celebrate, collaborate and discuss issues impacting the university, higher education and the state of Ohio.
Buckeyes on the Hill
Federal
Buckeyes on the Hill is our Washington D.C., reception-style event that engages and builds relationships with alumni, key stakeholders and friends working in the federal government. This event raises awareness of Ohio State’s top priorities and initiatives with key alumni in government.
Alumni in Government Luncheon
State
Our annual luncheon engages and celebrates our alumni working in and around state and local government in Ohio. During our program, we award and honor our recipients of the Alumni in Government Distinguished Service Award and the recipient of the How Firm Thy Friendship Award.
Fall Forum
State
The Advocates Fall Forum gives our Buckeye Advocates the chance to connect with university leaders, the government affairs team, policy leaders and each other. The forum provides an opportunity for advocates to network and learn about policies and initiatives at the Federal, State and Local levels that are important to the university.
Buckeyes in the City
Local
A reception focused on engaging and celebrating local government officials in and around the Columbus community.
Frequently asked questions
We will help you:
- Contact your elected officials through written correspondence, phone calls, or social media
- Stay informed on important Ohio State topics via our Buckeye Advocates Newsletters
- Interact with elected officials at Advocates-hosted events
- Build and strengthen relationships with elected officials and policy leaders
Absolutely! If you have a love for The Ohio State University and higher education, you can make a difference! It is easy and free. After signing up, you’ll start receiving updates via our Buckeye Government Advocates quarterly newsletter, as well as calls to action and invitations to Advocates-hosted events.
No – Buckeye Government Advocates is a nonpartisan group. We organize, inform, and mobilize alumni and friends of Ohio State to advocate on behalf of both the university and higher education. We are a group who gather to urge legislators and other decision makers to carefully consider bills or other issues that impact the university.
No, Buckeye Government Advocates may NOT endorse candidates due to state and federal guidelines for tax-exempt nonprofit entities.
This is truly up to you. You can decide how much or how little time you spend based on your comfort level or availability.
The Office of Advocacy works closely with the university leadership as well as the Government Affairs team to understand the implications that policies and proposed laws could have on The Ohio State University.
Contact us
Don Stenta
Assistant Vice President
Alumni Experience
stenta.1@osu.edu
Keely Black
Legislative Advocacy Specialist
black.551@osu.edu
614-688-4657