Legislative Advocacy: How to Make Your Voice Heard in Government

• Writing Letters to Elected Representatives
• Addresses for Government Representatives
  United States Government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Communicating by Telephone
• Key Government Phone Numbers
• Fax, E-Mail, and Web-Based Mail
• The Telegram
• The Interview
• How to Organize a Phone Tree

• Additional Resources

Letters are a primary tool in keeping members of Congress informed of their constituents' views. Yet, less than one in every 10 citizens ever writes a letter to a member of Congress. This is why your one letter can have a great impact.

Members of Congress are naturally unable to be expert on each of the 10,000 to 15,000 pieces of legislation introduced each year. Members of Congress depend on their mail to learn constituents' views.

Even if you representative or senators do not have encouraging voting records on justice concerns, it is important that they know that their constituents care about them.

Here are some letter-writing suggestions:

1. Put your address on the letter (envelopes get thrown away).
2. Say something nice. Thank the legislator for favorable action.
3. Limit each letter to just one subject, and keep the letter brief--usually not more than one page--unless you have special expertise in the subject.
4. Be polite. Your opinions will carry more weight if you are reasonable. Threats and demands don't work; they antagonize.
5. Letters that are clearly and neatly written are more likely to be read carefully.
6. Come to the point quickly, clearly and concisely. Whenever possible, include the bill number or title.
7. State your reason for writing. What is your opinion, and why do you have it? Tell of personal experience. Tell how you, your family, community, the state, or nation are affected. Give moral or religious reasons for your position.
8. Use your own words. Don't send a letter that looks like it was mass produced; and never copy a form letter word for word. Show that there is a real person writing the letter.
9. Offer information. Be a resource person for the legislator. Cite sources.
10. Ask a question that requires an original answer. Questions that require specific answers may compel staff to do more research.
11. When they do respond, WRITE BACK! Most people don't, so you'll stand out. Think of your letters as two-way correspondence, even if they don't. If the answers are erroneous, respond with information.
12. Make your letter timely. Obviously, your letter should come before decisions are made.

1. Be well informed and prepared.
2. Call at a strategic time, just before a vote, for instance.
3. If you have written or visited with that legislator, remind him or her of that contact.
4. If the member is not available, speak with the legislative assistant.

Some memebers of Congress don't have a public E-mail address (to avoid receiving large quantities of automatically-generated messages) , but do accept web-based mail. To send web-based mail, there will be a page on your Congressperson's website on which you may type your message which will then be delivered electronically to your member of Congress.

Some advocacy organizations provide a way for their constituents to send web-based mail on specific issues to their members of Congress. See, for example, the United Methodist UMPower web site.

The Telegram

Western Union Public Opinion Messages (800-325-6000) allow you to send 20 words to the President, Vice President, Senators, and Representatives for $9.95 in most states ($3.50 for each additional 20 words). These messages are delivered within 24 hours.

The President and the White House staff are especially interested in immediate public response to Presidential speeches and decisions on policy before an organized campaign may develop. Try to send your telegram to the President within six hours after a major statement is made.

All members of Congress operate at least one office in their districts; some have more than one. They deliberately schedule some time with constituents while they are in the home office. Often they are available during the ten-day congressional recesses which are scheduled for: Presidents' Day, Easter, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July.

Consider arranging an interview in the home office when several persons can attend. While this calls for more preparation, it can be persuasive in letting the legislator know that your viewpoint is held by other people.

If you are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., schedule some time to visit your legislator's office. Either contact the office directly (as far ahead as possible) or arrange your visit through the home office.

Saturdays and Sundays are the least likely times for interviews in Washington. The most likely days are Tuesdays through Thursdays. The best hours are in the morning--usually either before 10 a.m.--or in the late afternoon.

Here are some suggestions for conducting the interview:

1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared.
3. Don't be intimidated! Legislators will not know everything you know.
4. Be polite, even though you disagree or are angry. Concentrate on getting information about who else is lobbying the legislator and on asking for action.
5. Keep the legislator on the subject.
6. State your views clearly. Be specific about desired action.
7. If you disagree on facts, offer to look into it. Then follow-up.
8. Don't guess or fudge. Misinformation is worse than no information.
9. Take notes. Write down what the legislator says and promises to do.
10. Visit legislators even when they oppose your position.
11. If possible, leave appropriate printed material which summarizes your points.
12. Don't assume that legislators will disagree with you. They need to hear your position more fully! Also convey your deep concern. Emotion is appropriate and natural.

A phone tree is another name for a telephone network which will inform members of your congregation about pending legislation and urge them to contact congressional lawmakers. It will enable you to notify many people quickly when legislation is about to be voted on or to reinforce an action alert.

A phone tree works like this: One person will be selected to track legislation and urge phone tree members to write a letter, call, or e-mail their congressional leader and President Clinton. Person #1 will call two people, who will each call two people and so on.

1. Make a list of people in your congregation.
2. Gather telephone numbers.
3. Ensure that your phone tree members have the telephone numbers and addresses of their elected officials.
4. Practice what you are going to say before calling. Make sure you have all of the information about the proposed bill, in case questions arise.
5. If you reach an answering machine, leave a brief message.
6. The phone tree should be used every three to eight weeks.
7. Keep the network fun. Plan a social event every four months, and invite a speaker or show a film.

1. Register Citizen Opinion: A Congressional Directory and Action Guide which is available through the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS). (and from offices of other church denominations as well). The Guide, which is updated for each session of Congress, contains more information about advocacy as well as a complete listing of members of Congress and its committees. The cost of the booklet is (1998 prices): 1-9 copies, $.85; 10-99 copies, $.75, 100 or more, $.60. To order call the GBCS Service Department at 1-800-967-0880.
2. The Pennsylvania Legislative Directory published for each session of the Pennsylvania Legislature by the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania (DASPOP). The Directory lists all members of the Pennsylvania Legislature (with addresses and phone numbers) and standing committees. DASPOP, Phone: 717-657-7084; FAX: 717-657-8155.
3. The League of Women Voters Government Directory of Federal, State, and Local offices. Published about once a year by local chapters of the Pennsylvania LWV; copies are often available in public facilities such as your local library. LWVPA Hotline: 1-800-692-7281.

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   Last partial update: 11/30/02
   Created: 01/04/97