Be An Advocate

Letter-writing
Letters do make a difference. Your opinion, added to that of others with similar interests, does count. Legislators need to know what their constituents think about important legislation under consideration. Your voice, speaking in a letter, like your vote, does count. Letter writing also offers you an opportunity to serve as consultant, to offer your legislator an opinion on a bill based on your understanding and solid reasoning. Generating letters to specific legislators at critical times can have important and dramatic impact. Consider the following tips to insure success.

Content:

Try to cover one subject only.
Mention the particular piece of legislation and identify it by number and/or name (as applicable).
State specifically what you want to happen (change in the bill, vote for the bill, etc.); be constructive and provide options if possible.
State specifically how the issue will affect the member�s district or state.
Use facts, data, and anecdotes to support your position.
Mention any personal relationship, history of support, or connection beyond that of interested constituent.
Urge support for your position, but never threaten the member.
Include supporting information such as editorials from local newspapers or brief reports, pictures, testimonials, or success stories about your students.
Ask for a response: How will the member vote? What additional information is needed? Is there something you can do to get that information?
Write to thank the member for his or her support or favorable actions on behalf of your interests.

Format:

Keep letters brief and to the point.
Avoid technical �jargon� by using commonly understood terms.
Send legible handwritten or typed letters on your own stationery.
Be original. Do not use mimeographed or copied form letters.
Always sign your name in ink.
Include your full name and address on the inside of the letter, not just on the envelope.
Be courteous.

Address correspondence at the federal level:

To a U. S. Senator:

     The Honorable (full name)
     United States Senate
     Washington DC 20510

Dear Senator (surname):

To a Member of the House of Representatives:

     The Honorable (full name)
     United States House of Representatives
     Washington D.C. 20515

Note: When writing to the Chair of a committee or the Speaker of the House, address them as Dear Mr. Chairman, Dear Madam Chairwoman, or Dear Speaker.

Note: Use the same salutations at the state level. Contact the state legislature for the correct mailing address for your state legislator.

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