A key feature of liberal arts education at all OICA institutions is the development of an ethic of community service. There is probably no more fundamental expression of this ethic than through attention to and involvement in the democratic processes of government. Part of this involvement is through communication with elected officials; another part is through exercising one's voting privileges.

OICA institutions are united in their desire that students actively engage in these community-building opportunities through voter registration, through voting, and through regular and open communication with their local, state and national elected representatives.

One abiding public policy concern is state and federal student aid for students attending independent non-profit colleges and universities. Current action needed is described at our Action Alert site.

To assist in communication with elected officials the OICA is providing access to a convenient e-mail tool for helping you reach your federal and state policy makers. We hope all the students, staff, friends and constitutents of Oregon's private non-profit colleges and universities will use this tool frequently, thoughtfully and enthusiastically.