McIntyre joined Pignanelli and Haeckel in a legislative relations training session for Alumni Advocates. Pignanelli is a member of the Alumni Board of Directors, and a partner in the government relations firm of Foxley, Pignanelli, Lyons, and Jones. What they needed was a little grassroots gusto. That's where Pignanelli stepped in, wowing the audience with tales of successful grassroots efforts by conservative groups, public education, and even grade-school children who opposed a longer school year. He illustrated the point by describing the advocacy efforts of public education and why the U needs to work more on a grassroots level.
Support groups have to be created, and having alumni advocates is a good place to start.
Even skeptical advocates departed feeling optimistic, motivated, and believing they could make a difference. Look out Legislature, here they come.