Advocating for pregnancy resources is an effective way to engage your Student Government and/or university administration in expanding pregnancy and parenting resources on campus. There are several ways that you can go about this.
- Petition your Student Government by collecting signatures from students on your campus or by presenting a proposal. If you choose to petition, your petition should state the mission of your Pregnant on Campus efforts, and it should propose practical solutions to implement on campus. If you choose to present a proposal for using Student Government funds for pregnancy resources, be prepared to present the objective of your effort, your proposed resource, and potential budget needs.
- Set up meeting(s) with your Dean of Students and/or with other members of your university staff (e.g. Health Center Director, Director of Residence Life, Athletic Director). You should focus on those administration or staff members who work with the area that you propose to address. Come prepared to the meeting to discuss the mission of Pregnant on Campus, your goals for campus, and your proposed plan for university changes.
- Write a letter or proposal. Address a letter or a full proposal to explain your concerns about pregnant and parenting students and to outline your hopes for how your school administration can address these issues. Submit the letter to your Dean of Students (or another “mover and shaker” on campus), and be sure to follow up with a meeting, call, or email to ensure that it has been read and considered.
Whatever route you choose to pursue, it is best that you prepare a clear plan for what you want to see happen on your campus. Also, be ready to support your efforts with student signatures, student testimonies, statistics, etc. You can even include your school’s mission, motto, or creed, or another theme that is unique to your school.
- Contact your SFLA Regional Coordinator at [yourstate]@studentsforlife.org or the Pregnant on Campus Coordinator for research and statistics.
- Our Pregnant on Campus Coordinator is available to review your letters/proposals and provide you with feedback and guidance.
When presenting your petition or proposal, you need to be direct about your request. Pick specific resources that you want to see added to or expanded on campus. Some resources that could help pregnant women and parenting students are:
- Diaper decks in men’s and women’s restrooms
- Lactation rooms
- Maternity coverage in student insurance plans
- Flexible class schedules
- Pregnant or parenting student housing
- Add on-campus daycare
- Reduce cost of university daycare
Sample Petitions/Proposals and Signature Sheets
Contact your SFLA Regional Coordinator and/or the Pregnant on Campus Coordinator for an editable petition to use for your campus proposals.
