If this would be something you would be interested in but don't know where to start, please contact me. These are great tools to help us get the message to our legislators. **Sent through listserv in case anyone does not already receive COE bulletins. If you do, please excuse the duplication. Kimberly Hughes, Program Assistant Student Support Services, CSUF Foundation 5241 N. Maple Ave., Room 122 MS TA 35 Fresno, CA 93740-8027 559-278-5725 phone 559-278-1441 fax Email: [log in to unmask] TR i O ...it works! From: "heather valentine2" <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 6:55:05 AM Subject: Summer Recess Begins Soon - Schedule Local Appointments with Your Legislators Today! Click To View Documents: Summer Recess Talking Points.doc (66KB) ; Dear TRIO Colleague: As many of you know, the Congressional Recess begins on August 9 . What does this mean? That every Member of the US House of Representatives and every US Senator will be in their district and state offices for the month of August and through Labor Day. If you have not already done so, it is imperative that you schedule a local meeting with your Representative and Senators during this time. The timing of this recess is critical as both the House and the Senate are moving their versions of the bill that funds the TRIO programs - the Labor, Health, Human Services and Education (LHHS) Appropriations bill. As you know, the House LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee approved its version of the bill on July 22 , 2010 - giving TRIO a $25.6 million increase for FY 2011. There are several more steps, however, before the bill will be final. Therefore, we need to continue pressing Congress on TRIO funding. To schedule you appointment, please contact the local offices of your elected officials. (You can find information for your Representatives and Senators here: http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ . The message is simple: TRIO needs more funding for its students in FY 2011. Be sure to speak about the impact your programs have locally and how the continued lack of funding has hurt your program. (For specific talking points, please see the attached document). Furthermore, Kim and I are here to help you with any messaging needs you may have and are happy to work with each of you individually before your appointment. Another great way to get to your Member of Congress over the recess is to attend a town hall meeting in your area with other TRIO supporters. Because this is an election year, many of your Members will be hosting meetings across their districts and states. Please call your Member and Senate offices today to find out the dates of these meetings. This is a great way to bring attention to TRIO needs. Get a group of supporters together wearing TRIO paraphernalia and be prepared to ask a TRIO question in front of an audience. Kim and I are happy to help you draft a potential question. Finally, the Government Relations team at the Council is always ready and willing to assist you! Please let us know what we can provide to you to make your advocacy efforts easier. Remember, that we are a national voice for low-income students, veterans and adult learners as well as students with disabilities and we must continue to fight for our students. Thank you for all you do on behalf of TRIO! Sincerely, Heather Valentine COE