| All right! So, you're going to write your Congressman? | | | | Keep it Simple |
| Good idea. Make it a good letter. | | | | Your letter should address a single topic or issue. |
| People who think members of Congress pay little or | | | | Typed, one-page letters are best. Many PACs ( |
| no attention to constituent mail, are plain wrong. | | | | Political Action Committe) recommend a |
| Concise, well thought out personal letters are one of | | | | three-paragraph letter structured like this: |
| the most effective ways Americans have of | | | | 1. Say why you are writing and who you are. List your |
| influencing law-makers. But, members of Congress get | | | | "credentials." (If you want a response, you |
| hundreds of letters and emails every day. Whether | | | | must include your name and address, even when using |
| you choose to use the Postal Service or email, here | | | | email.) |
| are some tips that will help your letter have impact. | | | | 2. Provide more detail. Be factual not emotional. |
| Think Locally | | | | Provide specific rather than general information about |
| It's usually best to send letters to the representative | | | | how the topic affects you and others. If a certain bill is |
| from your local Congressional District or the senators | | | | involved, cite the correct title or number whenever |
| from your state. Your vote helps elect them -- or not | | | | possible. |
| -- and that fact alone carries a lot of weight. It also | | | | 3. Close by requesting the action you want taken: a |
| helps personalize your letter. Sending the same | | | | vote for or against a bill, or change in general policy. |
| "cookie-cutter" message to every member | | | | The best letters are courteous, to the point, and include |
| of Congress may grab attention but rarely much | | | | specific supporting examples. |
| consideration. | | | | |