Throughout the spring semester, the Temple Advocates Legislative Outreach Network (TALON) will renew its efforts to communicate the importance of supporting Temple University and higher education to state elected officials. The Commonwealth appropriation provides crucial support to all of Temple’s educational activities.

“Pennsylvania’s support for Temple is critical to all of the university’s endeavors, and allows us to continue to provide a world-class education at an affordable price,” said Kenneth Lawrence, senior vice president for government, community and public affairs. “As Pennsylvania faces daunting financial difficulties, we are asking the entire Temple community to step up their efforts and make their voices heard in Harrisburg.”

Temple supporters have sent nearly 1,200 letters as part of a new campaign that asks members of the Temple community to contact their state representative, state senator, Lt. Gov. Jim Calwey and Gov. Tom Corbett to congratulate them on being sworn into office and remind them how much Pennsylvania’s support of Temple means to their constituents. To utilize TALON’s tools, which make contacting elected officials simple and fast, visit Temple’s Government Relations website.

The letter writing campaign is the first in a series of advocacy initiatives for the spring semester. On Feb. 15, TALON members can join Temple Student Government as well as student leaders from the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh and Lincoln University for the Rally for Higher Education in the Capitol Rotunda to advocate for funding and celebrate the contributions of the state-related universities to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“We are really excited to partner with students from across Pennsylvania to help secure this vital state support,” said Natalie Ramos-Castillo, president of Temple Student Government, who has taken charge of organizing the rally. “As Temple students, we need to take an active role in securing these funds. We also need to share with elected officials, first-hand, how Temple changes lives.”

The Office of Government Relations will provide transportation to and from Harrisburg. For more information, and to register for the rally, visit temple.edu/government/rally. Advance registration is required.