You can make a difference. A big difference.

Institutions of higher learning in our state – namely Arizona State University – are under attack. They’re being attacked by those in our community who don’t believe we should be fully funding our public universities. And they’re winning.

For too long higher education has been ignored and forgotten by the Arizona Legislature. Since 2008, ASU has seen nearly $1.5 billion in cuts from the state budget. In fact, funding for Arizona’s universities has fallen by 54% since 2008, more than three times the national decline over the same period. And, these budget cuts have occurred during the same period that saw a more than 50% increase in student enrollment.

The decision makers at the state legislature have it all backwards. We say enough is enough, and we are committed to holding our elected officials accountable.

This is where we need your help.

Devil’s Advocate was created to organize the hundreds of thousands of ASU students, parents, alumni and others who believe we must continue to invest in our university system.

Launched last year, Devil’s Advocate has already been successful in building its membership among students and athletes.

Now that we’re in the New Year, it’s critical we continue to build on our momentum and start advocating for what is right when it comes to the state’s budget.

With your help, we can build an army of grassroots lobbyists who can make those critical calls, send emails, send letters and visit the state Capitol to express our support for legislation that properly funds our schools.

But this is a big job. Think about how difficult and costly it will be to not only contact hundreds of thousands of potential supporters, but to put them into action.

That’s why I’m writing you today. I gladly stepped up and contributed seed money to get Devil’s Advocates off the ground and running, but I need your help to keep this going.

And I’m not asking for a lot. Your contribution today of $100, $50, $35 or even $25 will help us create a Devil’s Advocate as a force to be reckoned with. We are an independent non-profit organization that receives no public funding of its own. Therefore, we must rely on loyal ASU fans such as you to make this a reality.

Imagine the impact we could have at the state legislature. We will put people like you – and several thousand others – into direct contact with your state representatives to lobby your support or opposition to bills that affect spending for universities like ASU.

It’s critical that you have your voice heard. Recall the old adage, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Well, if you remain silent the other side will certainly be heard.

So, will you support Devil’s Advocate today with a contribution of $75, $50, or even $25? You can make a secure online donation today by clicking here.

Your contribution will go directly to monitoring legislation, formal lobbying efforts, grassroots activism and more.

Please join us today by clicking here.

It’s time our state leaders start listening to us.

Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

John Graham
Chairman, Devil’s Advocate

P.S. Please don’t delete this email. It’s critical that your voice is heard and that Devil’s Advocate has your support to advance our agenda of fully funding our universities. There’s too much at stake to sit idly by and do nothing. Please click here now to make a donation. Thank you!