Jr Patriot Report

by John Stumpner

Writing Your Elected Representatives

“The pen is mightier than the sword,” Edward Bulwer Lytton, 19th century English playwright.

Part of being a citizen of the United States is making sure the people who have been elected are doing what’s best for us. Of course, adult citizens can vote for the representatives that will serve our best interests. It is also important that we write our representatives to inform them of where we stand on various issues and to thank them when they pass laws that we feel are beneficial to us.

As Junior Patriots, you can write your elected representatives any time about any topic that concerns you. Even though you can’t vote, most elected officials like to hear from young people, as you are the future. Writing your representatives is very easy. ABATE of Wisconsin’s web site, abatewis.org, has links that you can use to get the addresses of our elected officials. You can even compose and send an e-mail to your representative from these links. Your parents or ABATE sponsor would be more than happy to help get you started.

While we have many programs, such as Junior Patriots, ABATE of Wisconsin is primarily a group that tries to educate our elected representatives on the issues that are important to us. Writing letters to elected officials is a great way of letting them know what is important to you and it is something that you, as Junior Patriots, can do to be a big part of the future.