Writing to Elected Officials
 A personal letter has long been one of the most effective ways
to address an issue with government officials. In the U.S.
Congress, it is standard practice for all constituent letters
to receive a reply and be passed on to the federal agency involved.
State and local government offices likewise are charged with
paying attention to letters they receive from citizens.
Hearing from boaters and boating groups not only brings
your issue to their attention but is a good reminder that
boating is a community to be recognized when decisions are
being made.
First, determine the level of government that will solve
your problem. Then get the name(s) of your elected officials.
How Do I Find My Representative?
Local (City and County councils/boards)
City Web site
Telephone book
Chamber of Commerce
Open your state page
Find your Representative or Senator’s
Website by going to the U.S. Representative or Senate
link
Select your legislator’s Web page and send an e-mail
(form found under “Contact Information”)
Contacting Elected Representatives
E-Mailing Congress: In the post-9/11 era, postal mail to
Federal officials is quite slow. Many now prefer to hear
from their constituents via e-mail.
E-mailing has now become the fastest way to reach a congressman
or senator in Washington, DC. Or write to them at their home
district office which may have fewer security measures.
Include a subject line stating the issue topic.
Keep your message short and stick to one point;
do not send a “laundry list” of different issues
in one letter.
Explain the issue in the first paragraph. All politics is
local. Do some homework and make sure you have your facts
right when describing the issue or problem.
Give a short history of your efforts in second paragraph.
State what you would like your representative to do in the
last paragraph.
Thank your member for his/her help.
Sample Letter Two
Table of Contents
Lobbying Toolkit Homepage
Who’s In Charge? Or Civics 101
Writing to Elected Officials
Forming Coalitions
Getting Publicity and Working with the Media
Success Stories and Additional Resources
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