Writing Effective Letters to Congressional Representatives

Compiled by Neil Rest

Use complete, proper addresses.The correct addressing for Representatives is:
The Honorable __________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative__________:
The correct addressing for Senators is:
The Honorable __________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator __________:


Use your complete return address:
Ms. Jane Doe
123 Main Street
Springfield IN 98765-2468


If you know the Member or staff aide, say so at the start of your letter. That may alert the aide reading it to give it special attention.

If you live in the Member's district, say so early in your letter.

Be brief!
Congressional staffs are severely overworked.
Only one typewritten page and only one subject.

Be courteous.
Ask for the Member's views; do not demand support.
Be constructive, not negative. If a bill deals with a problem, but seems to be a wrong solution, propose constructive alternatives. Recognize that you might have to compromise.

Be yourself.
If you are copying a model letter, put it into your own words.

Other tips
Show an understanding of both the issue and the legislative process, so that way your message will be taken more seriously. For example, name the bill's sponsoring Member(s), and/or whether the bill is supported/opposed by the President. Site the reference number (use Thomas online to find that information). Avoid jargon and acronyms.

Timing
A letter sent months before an issue is considered is likely to be forgotten; one sent after Congress acts is a missed opportunity.
Most Congressional mail arrives on Monday, Tuesday or Friday.


Follow-up
Write back! React to the Member's response. This is a two-way communication.
Follow up your Congressman's response (or lack thereof) with another brief letter, regardless of the position they have taken. If your Member agrees with you, send a letter of thanks for his or her stand. If your Member disagrees with your position, reply with a brief letter quoting the section of his letter with which you take issue, restate your position, and supply individual additional evidence to support it.
Maintain an extended, informed dialog with your Congressman.


And don't forget . . .
Elected officials are people too, and they like to be told when they've done something right. Send a congratulatory note when they do something that merits approval.


Keep it up!
Don't get discouraged.