How to Contact Your Elected Officials Effectively
Reaching out to your lawmakers is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard. Here’s how to do it in a respectful and impactful way:
1. Find the Right Official
- Visit this site to find who represents you.
2. Choose Your Method
- Email or Letters: Great for clear, thoughtful messages.
- Phone Calls: Quick, personal, and often logged by staff-be sure to leave a message.
- In-Person Meetings or hearings / Town Halls: Very impactful if you can attend.
3. Introduce Yourself as a Constituent
- Start by stating your name and where you live-lawmakers prioritize messages from people who live in their district.
4. Be Clear and Concise
- State the issue and the action you want them to take (e.g., support, oppose, or consider).
- Keep it short—aim for 2–3 paragraphs or a 1–2 minute call. Lawmakers have very limited time and will appreciate short and to the point messages.
5. Share Your Personal Connection
- Explain why the issue matters to you, your family, or your community.
- Personal stories are more memorable than statistics alone. Lawmakers often share personal stories of constituents during debates.
6. Be Respectful and Professional
- Even if you disagree, keep your tone polite.
- Avoid insults or partisanship—respect builds credibility.
7. Thank Them
- Thank the official (or their staff) for their time and service. Gratitude goes a long way in building a constructive relationship.
8. Follow Up
- If they take action, send a thank-you note.
- If not, keep engaging respectfully—persistence shows you care. Policy changes can take a lot of time.
