Auntie ABATE / “Cuz” Report

From the League of Women Voters:

Your Representatives—Voice Your Opinion:

Contact Your Representatives!

There are a lot of reasons why you’d want to contact your representatives whether it is to voice your opinion on a particular issue, state your position on a bill, or for guidance on a law or government policy. Getting in touch with your representatives is an important part of our political process and helps to keep politicians accountable to the people who voted them into office.

3 Simple and Effective Ways to Advocate to your Elected Officials:

–Call

–Visit

–Email or write them a letter

TIPS ON TELEPHONING CONGRESS:

• The phone numbers of the offices of your senators and representatives are available on their websites.
• You can also call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators’ and/or representative’s office.
• Call a state or district office first.
• Leave a voice mail if there is no answer. If the voicemail is full, press “O.” This will typically take you to a receptionist who may be able to take your message or direct you to a voicemail that is not full.
• Call the national office if you cannot get through or to see if you can get to a real person.
• Remember that telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about which you wish to comment.
• Be prepared to give your name and location. You may identify yourself as a constituent.
• Tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: “Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S.___/ R.___).”  Be specific.
• You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill.
• Ask for your senators’ or representative’s position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.
• Use a script and keep your message brief, but specific.

TIPS FOR WRITING TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES:

• A letter or email is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter or email, use this list of helpful suggestions to improve its effectiveness:
• Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter.
• If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g.,

House bill: (H. R. ____), Senate bill: (S.____).

• Be courteous, to the point, and include key information.
• Use examples to support your position.
• Address only one issue in each letter and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.

Hint: Sometimes letters are not opened immediately; if speed is important, use postcards or faxes.

See you in Madison on February 13th!!

“Cuz”