Few students realize the importance, and the potential impact, of communication with their state legislators. The new legislative session opened Monday, and opportunities abound to make a difference. Have you ever complained about rising tuition costs, the condition of Husky Stadium or minimum wage? If you have, but have never done anything about it, you have nobody to blame but yourself.

In our democratic society, the people who represent us in government are, by law, accessible to the public. Their job, in theory at least, is to convey the popular opinions of their constituents. If you don’t feel that they are representing your views, maybe the best thing you can do is make your views known.

Unfortunately, it is rare that individuals make much of a difference in terms of lobbying.

The best bet is a small effort by the many, rather than monumental efforts by the few. One letter to a representative can be easily dismissed. Ten might catch some attention. One hundred will cause a stir. Five hundred demand action. Not to say that if you get 500 people to send a letter that your cause will necessarily win its case, but it can’t hurt anything, and it might make all the difference.

How many people even know who their representatives are? The sad reality is that most of us don’t. If you want to find out who you should contact, go to www.leg.wa.gov and click on “Find Your District.” Here you’ll find the names of your senator and representatives, as well as their contact information.

If you have serious concerns about your future, the future of this institution and the future of this state, you should give some thought to writing a letter. Some of the proposed legislation may not seem like it will affect you, and short-term, it may not.

But consider that if the University of Washington starts turning away more students each year, as suggested by Gov. Gregoire’s budget proposals, it stands to feel the ramifications for years to come. That may not seem like a big deal if you’re a senior, but what about your younger siblings? Your kids, someday? This isn’t something we can afford to be selfish about. It’s much bigger than the individual, and it’s more far-reaching than next year. Do you want to be a part of something like that? Here’s your chance.

This is the opinion of the Daily’s Editorial Board: Editor-in-Chief Sarah Jeglum, Managing Editor Shiree Teixeira, Sports Editor Allen Wagner, Features Editor Nicole Ciridon, Opinion Editor Natalie Sikavi and Copy Chief Randy Ferreiro.