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Write a letter to Congress

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Write a letter to Congress

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Dredinvestments Free
11/22/08 3:19 PM
Post #3
Re: #1: @Lurker from Mars - Dear Congressman,
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Gulfbreeze Grandfathered
11/21/08 11:51 PM
Post #2
Re: #1: @Lurker from Mars - Dear Congressman,
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Lurker from Mars Terminated
11/21/08 10:12 PM
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Write a letter to Congress RSS Feed

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Write your letter, make your case, state your views. Practice, discuss and debate here. Keep within TOU, Use this place for a dry run..edit or change..When you are ready, print it and mail it Now is the time to let your Congress know what you the people are thinking, more now than ever. The inspiration that motivated this board had partly to do with the AIG bailout money going for parties, Mis use of federally issued funds...Somebody needs a set of handcuffs. Letters to Congress So, you're going to write your Congressman? Good idea. Make it a good letter. People who think members of Congress pay little or no attention to constituent mail, are plain wrong. Concise, well thought out personal letters are one of the most effective ways Americans have of influencing law-makers. But, members of Congress get hundreds of letters and emails every day. Whether you choose to use the Postal Service or email, here are some tips that will help your letter have impact. Think Locally It's usually best to send letters to the Representative from your local Congressional District or the Senators from your state. Your vote helps elect them -- or not -- and that fact alone carries a lot of weight. It also helps personalize your letter. Sending the same "cookie-cutter" message to every member of Congress may grab attention but rarely much consideration. Keep It Simple Your letter should address a single topic or issue. Typed, one-page letters are best. Many PACs (Political Action Committees) recommend a three-paragraph letter structured like this: Say why you are writing and who you are. List your "credentials." (If you want a response, you must include your name and address, even when using email.) Provide more detail. Be factual not emotional. Provide specific rather than general information about how the topic affects you and others. If a certain bill is involved, cite the correct title or number whenever possible. Close by requesting the action you want taken: a vote for or against a bill, or change in general policy. The best letters are courteous, to the point, and include specific supporting examples. Addressing Members of Congress To Your Senator: The Honorable (full name) (Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator: To Your Representative: The Honorable (full name) (Room #) (Name) House Office Building United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative: When writing to the Chairperson of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, address them as: Dear Mr. Chairman Dear Madam Chairwoman Dear Mr. Speaker Dear Madam Speaker The above addresses should be used in email messages, as well as those sent through the Postal Service. Finding Their Addresses Senate and House of Representatives Email Addresses & Web Sites for Congress is a massive project of the University of Michigan Library Documents Center. The information is priceless. U.S. Supreme Court Contact Information - US Supreme Court. The Justices do not have email addresses, but they do read letters from citizens. Many members of Congress maintain one or more offices in their home states where they can also be contacted. These addresses are typically listed on the members' web sites. To Conclude Here are some key things you should always and never do in writing to your elected representatives. Always Be courteous and respectful without "gushing." Clearly and simply state the purpose of your letter. If it's about a certain bill, identify it correctly. If you need help in finding the number of a bill, use the Thomas Legislative Information System. Say who you are. Anonymous letters go nowhere. Even in email, include your correct name, address, phone number and email address. If you don't include at least your name and address, you will not get a response. State any professional credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those pertaining to the subject of your letter. Keep your letter short -- one page is best. Use specific examples or evidence to support your position. State what it is you want done or recommend a course of action. Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter. Never Use vulgarity, profanity, or threats. The first two are just plain rude and the third one can get you a visit from the Secret Service. Simply stated, don't let your passion get in the way of making your point, Fail to include your name and address, even in email letters. Demand a response.
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