Contacting Your Elected Officials

There are four common ways to contact your elected officials: by phone, mail, email, or personal visit. Use the links below to locate your elected officials and their contact information.

Tennessee General Assembly
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senate

Communicating with Elected Officials

BY PHONE

  • Let the person answering the phone know who you are. Provide your name and let them know that you are a constituent and a UT supporter.
  • Identify the issue you’d like to speak about, by bill number if possible.
  • Ask if you can speak to the elected official directly.
  • If you are able to speak to the elected official directly, identify your issue and state your position clearly. Keep to one issue, per call and be brief.
  • If referencing a specific bill, ask the elected official how they intend to vote on the issue.
  • Ask the elected official to support UT. For example, “Please support the University of Tennessee by…”
  • Thank them for speaking with you. If they have stated that they will support the University, thank them for their support.
  • If you don’t know the answer to a question or if a request for information is made, contact the Office of Government Relations.
  • Leaving a message: Tell the person answering the phone your name and let them know that you are a constituent. Reference the bill that you are calling about, and state briefly your opposition or support. Ask for a return call and leave your contact information.
  • Tell us about your call! Email a brief report to utadvocator@tennessee.edu.

BY MAIL/EMAIL

  • Letters to your elected officials can be sent by mail, fax, or email.
  • If using email, identify your issue in the subject line.
  • Explain who you are and your relationship to the elected official (constituent, friend, donor, or otherwise).
  • Identify your issue by stating the bill name and number, when applicable. State your position clearly. Keep to one issue per letter. Keep your message brief, but include YOUR UT Story.
  • Ask the elected official to support UT. For example, “Please support the University of Tennessee by…”
  • View a sample letter.
  • Letters should be addressed to:
    The Honorable [Insert Name] Address
    City, State Zip Code
  • Tell us about your communication! Email a brief report to utadvocator@tennessee.edu.

BY PERSONAL VISIT

  • Make an appointment and arrive on time.
  • Reference the issue you are concerned about by bill number, when applicable. Briefly explain your stance, and add personal examples if appropriate.
  • Ask the elected official to support UT. Provide information and facts on the issue; explain why their support is vital.
  • Follow up on any information the legislator wanted. If you do not have access to this information, contact your Government Relations team.
  • Tell us about your scheduled meeting, and let us know the outcome! Email us at utadvocator@tennessee.edu.

WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU

  • Send a note thanking them for their service and/or support. View a sample thank you note.
  • Build your relationship! Invite your elected official to a local UT event, such as a UT Alumni Association Chapter event or a student organization event.
  • If you support their beliefs and voting records, you can volunteer to help with their campaigns.