Plan ahead
- Check out these resources on the Wisconsin state budget.
- You may be waiting a while, so consider bringing lunch, a snack, and something to drink.
- Wear Badger red!
Arrive early
- Each public meeting typically starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. Plan to arrive early if you can.
- When you arrive, you will need to fill out a form when you arrive to be added to the queue. Speakers will be heard on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Each speaker has two to three minutes, so keep your message short and to the point. Time goes fast! (When writing your remarks, aim for 250 to 400 words, including introductions.)
Cover key points
- First, briefly greet the committee.
- Share your name, where you live.
- Introduce your topic: how UW–Madison positively impacts you, your family, your community, and Wisconsin.
- Ask the committee to support investing in UW–Madison in the upcoming state budget.
Your personal stories and experiences are key to getting your message across! Here are some prompts to get you started:
- A Healthier Wisconsin
- Have you or a family member benefited from UW Health? Do you have a personal connection to a health issue that the UW is researching? Are doctors or nurses in your area UW alumni?
- Strong Businesses
- Are you a business owner or executive? How did your UW education prepare you for your career? In your community, are there local businesses that are owned, run, or founded by UW alumni? If so, what do they mean to you?
- Workforce Talent
- How does it benefit you to have UW-educated teachers, health care providers, engineers, veterinarians, and other skilled professionals in your community? Has being a UW grad influenced you or someone you know to stay in or return to Wisconsin? Why is it important to you that we continue to have UW–Madison graduates keep their talents in Wisconsin?
Thank you again for your time and commitment to UW–Madison!