Be a voice for the voiceless and an advocate for justice! Congress and the president determine the fate many of our issues of concern. Add your efforts to ours!

You have something to say. You have an opinion to offer, a story to tell, a request to make, a question to ask. Your letters and calls influence lawmakers. More than the media, government information sources, lobbyist and many other forms of communication, voters influence elected officials. If mail is light on a given issue, your letter will be very significant. If mail is heavy, your letter may be very important to offset a different opinion. Your pleas and stories can change attitudes and votes. They can also support and reinforce favorable attitudes and views.

Depending on the issue, there are various officials you may need to contact. Read as much as you can to learn who should receive your letters. Possibilities include:

Elected government officials including the president, your senators and representatives, and the governor of your state. Leaders of the House and Senate and members of congressional committees and subcommittees and their staff. Members of the executive branch responsible for implementing policies.

Learn about their positions on the issues you care about.

If you wish to write to your senators and representative, it is best to fax them. Because of security concerns, postal mail may take a month to reach their offices. You can find their contact information at the Senate and House websites. Fax the president at the White House fax number - (202)456-2461.

The Honorable (Full Name) U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator (Last Name):

The Honorable (Full Name) U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman or Congresswoman (Last Name):

The President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Telephone Numbers

U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121 Senate and House Bill Status - (202 225-1772 White House Comment Line - (202) 456-1111

Here are some suggestions to give your letter the greatest impact:

• Personal letters are more effective than form letters. If you do use a sample letter, be sure to add a personal touch - tell a story that puts a human face on the issue or list the reasons why you are concerned.
• Use your personal stationery or the letterhead of your church or civic group.
• Be brief. Write short paragraphs and keep your letter to one page.
• Be positive. Avoid criticism, veiled threats, name-calling and personally judgmental statements.
• Include these elements in your letter:
• Introduce yourself.
• Express appreciation for a recent speech, vote or action, indicating your courteousness and knowledge.
• Address only one issue. State what it is and what you want done. Come to the point quickly. Be specific.
• Give reasons for your concern, a commitment and request. Draw on personal experience and specific situations; identify the issue’s impact on people - members of your family, neighbors, people in other parts of the world.
• Ask specific questions. The more specific and original the more thought provoking and the more thoughtful the response. Also, ask, “How do you plan to vote?”
• Summarize and restate the main point in the last paragraph.
• If possible, fax the letter. Postal processing can significantly delay letters.

To help us track of who is participating in our advocacy efforts, please send World Advocates copies of any letters you write and responses you receive:

World Advocates #242 12650 West 63rd Avenue Arvada, CO 80004 Phone: (303) 463-2967 Cell: (303) 261-2948 Email: info@world-advocates.org Web: www.world-advocates.org