Get informed, Stay Informed
Track the policymaking process. Answers — and officials — are just a click away.
- Local: Local Government Resources, Houston City Council and Harris County Commissioners Court.
- State: Office of the Governor, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Texas Legislature and Texas Supreme Court.
- Federal: The White House, Congress, and U.S. Supreme Court.
What’s new: Associations have the scoop. They cover many campus constituencies, and most have their own advocacy page.
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- Association of American Universities (AAU)
- American Council on Education (ACE)
- Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT)
- Undergrad: The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
- Graduate: National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS)
- Graduate student education: Council of Graduate Studies (CGS)
Get Connected
Whether on policy or agency assistance, offices have staff at the ready. While outreach can take many forms, consistent, constructive and sustained engagement works best. Connect and stay engaged.
- Who is My Council Member? (Houston)
- Who Represents Me in Austin? (Texas)
- Representatives and Senators in Congress (GovTrack.us)
Get Going
Sharing your opinion or expertise contributes to the public discourse. Just be clear about “which hat you are wearing.” Questions? Need advice? Public Affairs can help.
- Democracy calling: Register to Vote in Texas (Texas Secretary of State)
- Get a sticker: Current Election Information (Texas Secretary of State)
- Candidates on campus? Read the Partisan Political Activities Policy (Policy 807). It’s important.
Questions? Email or call us. - Politically curious student? We have clubs for that:
- Opportunities to impact civics and policy? We have those, too:
- Volunteer for neighborhood associations, non-profits or local boards:
- Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Volunteer Houston hub.
- Daily across Houston, United Way volunteers help neighbors.
- Internships and more: The Frances Anne Moody-Dahlberg Gateway Program offers resources that acquaint Rice students with vital skills and extra-curricular opportunities:
- Center for Career Development Summer Experience Fund
- Baker Institute Jesse Jones Leadership Summer in D.C.
- Houston Policy Challenge
- Social Policy Analysis Health Policy Hackathon
- Leadership Rice Summer Mentorship Experience
- Kinder Institute for Urban Research Community Bridges
- Doerr Institute for New Leaders