ADVOCACY TIPS AND TOOLS
Contact information for Congress and the President
House of Representatives:
The Honorable _______
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
202.224.3121
www.house.gov
Senate:
The Honorable _______
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
202.224.3121
www.senate.gov
The President:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
202-456-1111
202-456-2461
president@whitehouse.gov
www.whitehouse.gov
Tips for Letter-writing
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Write to your elected officials to state your opinion on an issue, to make a request, or to express appreciation for a recent action.
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Focus on one subject or issue in the letter. Begin by stating your purpose for writing and follow with reasons for your concern and points to emphasize your argument.
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If you are using a sample letter, include your own personal message as well.
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Spell names correctly and use accurate titles. Sign your name and include your address. Ask for a response!
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The most effective letters are brief, concise and courteous.
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Although mail service to Congress and the President is slower because of the anthrax incidents in 2001, a personal letter is still the preferred form of communication with your elected officials. Many offices are overwhelmed by the number of email and fax messages they receive, and are unable to respond to them. If you have organized a letter-writing event in your church or community group, call your congressperson's office to let the staff know the subject of the letters and how many to expect.
Voicing Your Opinion by Phone
- Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 to be connected with your senator or representative’s office.
- Telephone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue you are calling about.
- After identifying yourself and where you live, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as "Please tell Senator/Representative X that I support/oppose [a specific piece of legislation or proposal]."
- State reasons for your support or opposition. Ask for your senator/representative’s position. You may also request a written response to your call. Offer to provide further information.
Guidelines for Email
In general, the same guidelines apply to email as to written letters. Email is not as effective as a personally signed letter, but it is a good way to get an urgent message to your representative or senators.
- Write to your legislator only. Do not copy other members of Congress or send a mass email.
- Send a brief message, with no special layouts or graphics. Do not include attachments.
- Include your full name and address so it is clear that you are a constituent, and ask for a response. Consider, following up with a hard copy of your email.
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