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Advocacy Tools & Tips

Tips On Telephoning Your Elected Representatives

  1. Search AFF's online congressional directory to find your senators' and representative's phone numbers, or
  2. Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for a specific Congressional office.
  3. Remember, telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the legislative aide who handles the issue about which you wish to comment.
  4. After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message. For example: "Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose bill (S.___/H.R.___)."
  5. State reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your senators' or representative's position on the bill. Request a written response to your telephone call.


Tips On Writing a Letter to a Member of Congress

The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, here are some suggestions:

  1. Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it. For example, House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____.
  2. Be courteous, and get to the point quickly. Include key information, using examples to support your position.
  3. Address only one issue in each letter. Try to keep the letter to one page.

Addressing your member of Congress:

To your Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of)Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To your Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of)House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

Note: When writing to the chair of a committee or the Speaker of the House, address them in your letter as Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman; Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker.

Tips On Sending an Email to a Member of Congress

When emailing a member of Congress, the same guidelines apply as with writing letters to Congress (see above). Find and email your senators and representative directly from www.capwiz.com/ forestfoundation/home.