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How To Be An Active Voice In Your Student Government (Without Joining)

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Rachel Smith
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Emily Thornton
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UT Chattanooga chapter.

I am a huge advocate for joining Student Government, but I realize that not everyone has the time to join. However, if you don’t express your opinions, you shouldn’t be upset for SGA not representing your interests. Here are some tips for how to let your voice be heard without the time commitment.

  1. Follow SGA on Social Media- This is the easiest way to get involved. SGA regularly posts polls on their account in order to get student opinions. This way you can let your voice be heard while simply scrolling through your news feed. It doesn’t get easier than that.
    1. Instagram- @utcsga
    2. Twitter- @UTCSGA
  2. Attend a meeting- All SGA meetings are open to the public. The meetings are usually 2 hours or less and just once a week. You can participate in conversation, meet your representatives, and hold them accountable.
  3. Email the executive team– You can do this through regular email or through mocsync. They review every message that they receive, discuss it, and frequently take action based upon the message’s content.
  4. Figure out which of your friends are in SGA– Members of Student Government are usually involved in several other organizations, so chances are that you and an SGA member are in the same group. Befriend them, and tell them your opinions. My best friends are very caught up to date on everything going on in SGA and issues that are happening on campus, and they are not members. It’s a casual way to let your opinions be heard.
  5. Join a committee–  SGA committees are open to the student body to join. You do not have to be a member of SGA to be in a committee, and committees only meet one hour a week (which isn’t a big time commitment).  Also, committees are more focused on specific issues, so it is easier to be involved in things you are passionate about. These committees range from deciding fun giveaways for UTC sporting events to giving input to administrators about capital projects happening on campus. You can probably find a committee that interests you.
  6. Attend SGA events– SGA regularly hosts events on campus including the UTC Homecoming Bonfire, Study Marathon, discussion panels, recycling drives, and many others. These events are filled with your representatives. Find them and tell them what you think!
  7. Vote!– Each semester, SGA holds elections for new representatives. The ballot can be found on mocsync. The candidates usually have a little blurb about what they stand for, and what issues they are most passionate about. Read over it, and vote for who you think will best represent you!

It’s very easy to have your opinions represented in SGA without joining. Don’t be apathetic! Let your representatives know what you think so they can advocate for your best interests.

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Rachel Smith

UT Chattanooga

I am a sophomore studying Communications and Spanish. I am currently serving as the Student Trustee for the Tennessee System. I am a passionate singer and songwriter, love all things fitness, as well as spending time with my friends. I lead a busy life, but I firmly believe that you can always make time for the things that are important to you!
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Emily Thornton

UT Chattanooga

I am a junior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga majoring in Economics, Psychology, and Literature. I am the founding president of UTC's chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, an active writer, an avid reader, and an outdoor enthusiasts. I spend my days running from class, to meeting, to class, to work, while squeezing in time for friends, family, and the occasional hour of sleep, while also being a proud cat mother to a kitten named Merlin. I love my hectic life, and am always ready for a new challenge!