Writing to Your Legislators: 5 Easy Steps

Are you seeking legislative changes in your state?

Do you want to exercise your rights as an American citizen? Meeting with legislators, writing letters and sending emails is a proactive way to participate. 

Contacting legislators to voice your opinion is the American way.  How do you write an effective email or letter?

By following five easy steps, you can march up the steps of justice in your state or our nation’s capitol…. without ever leaving your home.

 

Step 1: Find the federal representatives in your area (for state representatives contact the group in your state; List for state leads to follow) 

House of Representatives (enter your zipcode): house.gov  Clicking the name of the representative on the sides of the picture takes you to a profile page. Address and phone info is at the bottom of their personal page. Email address is listed in the ‘Connect’ box. Message may be sent via ‘Connect’ or sent separately.

Note: All Representatives for your state may be accessed with the interactive map located under the box with upcoming events.

Senate (select your state in the box, upper right corner): senate.gov

Contact info listed includes the physical address and email. Communication may be sent via the ‘contact’ form on their website.

 

Step 2: Identify the topic

Identify the topic you are seeking to change. Briefly, tell why the issue is important and why the representative should take action.

 

Step 3: Identify the action request

Identify the action you want your representative to take. What are you asking your representative to do?  Be specific., i.e., support a bill, join a committee seeking revisions to Title IV D, create awareness for equal shared parenting, or thanking them for their efforts.

 

Step 4: Writing the letter

• Basic info
  • Date, your name and address,
  • Name and contact info for your representative. Use titles when appropriate, i.e. ‘The Honorable’, etc

 

• Salutation
  • Salutation should include: Dear Representative full name, or Dear Senator full name

 

• Paragraph 1
  • Identify yourself as a constituent
  • Share if you a parent or professional
  • Identify the topic
  • State the action you are seeking

 

• Paragraph 2
  • Include facts
  • Personal experience
  • Why you are seeking support
  • Explain how this relates to your state, district, and community

 

• Paragraph 3
  • Restate your call to action
  • Summarize why you are seeking change
  • Indicate if you would like a response
  • Thank your representative or senator for considering your request

 

• Closing
  • Name
  • Credentials
  • Contact info if wishing a response

 

Step 5  Send

Send your letter or email and wait for the wheels of justice to turn.

 

A few tips:

• Be brief, clear and succinct
• One page is optimal
• Address the letter to the legislator directly
• Send the letter to Washington, D.C
• If sending email, send each message individually. Group emails may be deleted
• Keep in mind, signed form letters may be rejected

 

Write a letter, or send an email. Walk up the steps of justice in the comfort of your home.  

Speaking up for what you believe in is the right of every American Citizen.

This is the American way!