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A personal letter to your
member of Congress takes
little work and is an effective
way to communicate your
concern about a bill or
an issue.
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Write
at strategic times, such
as when important issues to you
come up for a vote.
The
more personal your letter is, the
more influence it will have. Say
what’s on your mind and in your
heart. You don’t have to be an expert—you’re
a concerned citizen.
Introduce
yourself as a constituent.
Write
or type neatly.
Be
brief, specific, and use facts.
Sign
your letter, including
your return address.
*USE
PROPER SALUTATIONS*
For
a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
For
A Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
FACE-TO-FACE
MEETINGS
With your members of Congress
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*
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT *
Be
Prepared
Put
a local and personal angle on the
issue. Stress why this issue
concerns you and others the Member
represents. Be specific. Cite local
statistics, give examples of communities
that will be most affected by this
issue, or mention who supports your
issue local
Press
for a commitment. Don’t let
your Member of Congress evade the
issue or change the subject. Ask
specifically for his or her position
on the issue. If they agree with
you, ask them to co-sponsor legislation,
make a floor speech or sign a "Dear
Colleague" letter on the issue—all
of these can help sway other legislators
too.
Don’t
be intimidated. If you are asked
a question that you do not know
the answer to, simply say that you
don’t know, but that you will find
out. Get a fax number and a staff
contact and be sure to provide the
necessary information as soon as
possible.
Thank them for their previous
work or a good vote.
Prepare
a one-page handout to leave
with them.
Ask
if they have questions about
what you have told them.
Thank
them for their time.
Follow-up
and establish a relationship. |
