How to reach your Congressperson
One of the best ways to get your point of view to members of Congress is through
a personal letter. Elected officials pay close attention to the mail they receive
because every letter represents a certain portion of their constituency. Many
elected officials now have e-mail addresses.
This web page has email addresses, mailing address and
home page links of U.S. Senators organized by state.
http://www.ussenate.com/email.htm
Another web page that has email addresses, mailing address and home page
links of U.S. Senators organized by Senators' last names:
http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index.cfm
Write your Representative:
Look
up your Representative
zip code
+ 4 lookup provided on this page
How to write to your Congressperson
Whether you use the Internet or the postal system, there are certain basic
rules to follow when writing to elected officials. Here are some tips:
- In the first paragraph, state your purpose for writing. Make it short and to the point. If you are writing about a certain bill, specify its number.
- Then, build your case - explain why you feel as you do. Use facts, not emotional
arguments to support your position. Explain the ramifications of the matter
in question.
- If you are writing in opposition to something, say so. Explain why it is wrong, and suggest alternatives.
- If you admire your legislator for a particular reason, mention it in your letter.
- Ask your legislator his or her view on the subject.
- If possible, keep your letter to one page. Make it legible. Unless you have excellent handwriting, use a word processor or typewriter.
- Be sure to include your name and complete address (even for email correspondence).
- Follow this recommended format:
The Honorable _____________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable _____________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
This article was modified from an article first published
in the July/August 1995 issue of Freedom
Writer.
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