Reasons to Write Your Reps

• To ask them to support or not to support a specific piece of legislation that has been introduced, is in committee, or is up for vote.
   
• To thank them for supporting or not supporting a specific piece of legislation.
   
• To find out why they did not support or why they supported a specific piece of legislation.

Letter Writing/Emailing Tips

• Make sure you are writing the right person at the correct address. Use the "find your elected officials" link to find out who your representatives are and their correct mailing and email addresses.
   
• Keep your letter professional and brief. Try to keep any correspondence to your representative to one page. Only address one issue per letter/email and only email one representative at a time.
   
• Type your letter. If you do not have access to a typewriter or computer and you have to hand write your letter make sure the handwriting is neat and legible.
   
• Be informed, know what you are writing about before you write your letter. If you quote statistics or "facts" make sure you can back them up. Include the sources of any statistic that you quote.
   
• Let your representative know that he/she can contact you if there are any questions regarding your correspondence.
   
• If your letter requires a response ask for one.
   
• Check and recheck your letter/email. Check for grammar and spelling errors. Have someone else read it to check for errors and to make sure you have effectively made your point.

• Calling your Representative or Senator is most effective when done within one week of the vote on a particular issue.
• Before you call list the points you want to make during the conversation on a sheet of paper. This will ensure you don't leave anything out and help keep you on track.
• When calling ask to speak with the Representative or Senator. If he/she is not available ask to speak with the aide. If the aide is unavailable, leave a message.
• Keep the call short, be polite and respectful. Identify yourself, the bill number, let them know how you would like them to vote, and give a brief reason as to why you want them to support or oppose the bill.
• If they have any questions, answer them as best you can. Make sure to ask for the Representative's position on the bill and if you did not speak to the Representative directly ask for a written response to your call.
• Do not argue the issue/bill, briefly and politely express your opinion and be sure thank them for their time.
• You can find your Representatives' phone numbers and other contact information by using the "Find your elected Officials link.