How do I write a letter/email to my Congressman/Senator? What do I say?

[james_bond_007]

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:

1. 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.)
2. 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.
3. 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)

[jgang]

Brilliant! I could have figured it out on my own, but this makes it too easy. NONE of us has any excuse now. Many thanks for posting this. Do you mind if I share the "directions" on other boards?

[Veritas]

Thanks for this! Should help the rest of us knuckleheads out.

[james_bond_007]

... Do you mind if I share the "directions" on other boards?

The post is a collection of stuff I've found and condensed. I'd leave the "SOURCE" in, just to give credit where due.

Please post it wherever you think it might help with some "traction".

[buckeye4rnr]

Sounds great minus "The Honorable"... don't forget they work for us.

[james_bond_007]

Sounds great minus "The Honorable"... don't forget they work for us.

Protocol IS what it IS.

Governors are also addressed as "The Honorable" ...
But I'll bet they've "dropped" that for former Illinois Governors Rod Blagojevich and George Ryan.
Probably makes the other prisoners self-conscious.

[Big Wall]

This should be a sticky.

[koala0922]

Good post. Again folks, remember this is a NUMBERS game with regards to keeping it simple. Don't laboriously argue a point or try to "convince" your rep you are correct. Just a simple message of asking them to vote against any new meaningless legislation is the point here.

[james_bond_007]

BTT

[Goodburbon]

I know they don't get read, so I just sent this.

"I am against any further gun control measures

You swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Do so."