How do I write a letter/email to my Congressman/Senator? What do I say?
Suggestions on "HOW" to structure a letter to your Congressman/Senator
Source: http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscong...rscongress.htm
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:
The above addresses should be used in email messages, as well as those sent through the Postal Service.
Finding Their Addresses (Regular and EMail)
Senate and House of Representatives
U.S. Senators for Colorado (web sites and mailing addresses)
OR (As of 28DEC12)
Bennet, Michael F. - (D - CO)
458 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5852
Web Form: www.bennet.senate.gov/contact/
Udall, Mark - (D - CO)
328 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5941
Web Form: www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=contact
Write Your U.S. Representative (A service of the House that will assist you by identifying your Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives and providing contact information, by ZIPCODE)
or Look Here http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/CO
Write any others Elected Official (Best to enter your ZIPCODE rather than clicking on the state of Colorado in the map)
Got An Automated Reply from Senator Bennet
Dear [007]:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the tragedy of the Newtown shooting. I appreciate hearing from you.
The unthinkable events which took place in Newtown, Connecticut are staggering. Like all Colorado families, my family was shocked and deeply saddened by the violence, and my heart is with the victims, their families and the entire state of Connecticut. As Coloradans, we know how this type of tragedy can shake a community to its core and in the aftermath of these abhorrent acts our priority should be on supporting the survivors and families, and healing our communities.
We must have a real discussion in this country about finding ways to stop these types of senseless shootings. While no one law is likely to prevent a deranged individual committed to taking life from doing so, we should have a comprehensive and civil conversation about finding the right and most effective solutions to protect our communities and particularly, our children. This includes exploring a number of areas, such as mental health services, violence in our culture, and a review of our gun laws.
A Sandy Hook Support Fund has been established by the Newtown government to provide the victims and their families with support services during this difficult time. You can access it at http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/index. In addition, if you or a loved one is having difficulty coping with recent tragedies, including those of Aurora and Newtown, the Disaster Stress Helpline can be reached at 1-800-985-5990 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Let us all continue to keep the communities of Newtown and Aurora in our thoughts and prayers.
I value the input of fellow Coloradans in considering the wide variety of important issues and legislative initiatives that come before the Senate. I hope you will continue to inform me of your thoughts and concerns.
For more information about my priorities as a U.S. Senator, I invite you to visit my website at http://bennet.senate.gov/. Again, thank you for contacting me.
Sincerely,
http://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/ya/down...d=YahooMailNeo
Michael F. Bennet
United States Senator
Please do not reply to this message. If you would like to send a message to Senator Bennet, please submit a form at http://bennet.senate.gov/contact. Thank you.