An
example letter
Getting
the Addresses
Writing Letters
When you write a personal letter to your members of Congress, start off by defining what problem is affacting your community. Explain why the present situation is unacceptable, and ask them to stop the destruction of our public lands. Urge them to cosponsor the Act to Save America's Forests and other bills that will reform some of the woes that our nation is experiencing.
Be sure to ask for a clear statement of his or her position on the bill, and ask, "if you won’t cosponsor, please explain why in your response." Encourage your member to contact you with any questions concerning the bill or the issues.
Members of Congress get hundreds of letters every day, but their staffs log each one and almost always prepare responses. Nevertheless, your goal should be to stand out from the crowd by asking for commitments and specific responses. Let them know that this issue is so important to you and to your friends and group members that it will affect your votes in the next election.
Members of the House make many of
their decisions based on the opinions of their constituents. Since hundreds
of issues are considered each legislative year, many of the issues--perhaps
even yours--will never be comented upon by anyone in your district. If there
is a vote on your issue, your congressman may not even participate because
he or she will feel that it won't impact their office in any way. So speak
out, and let your representative know how you feel. We write hundreds of
letters each year to hundreds of members of congress. Check
out an example to see how we do it.
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To Contact your members of Congress,
you can look up their addresses at the House
of Representatives directory website or the Senate
directory website. If these sites are confusing or of little help to
you, give us a call at
(202) 544-9219. We'd love to help you!
