How to Write a Letter to a Congressman

Writing to your Congressperson is a vital part of being a citizen.

Writing to a member of Congress is an important and time-honored American tradition. It shows your elected representatives in Washington that their constituents are aware of, and care about, the issues affecting the nation. Making your views on known to lawmakers also gives you, and those who think like you, a voice in shaping public policy at the national level.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Paper
• Telephone

Instructions

Writing The Letter

1. Find your representative's e-mail or mailing address. Get the information online or at a local library or contact the political party the representative belongs to.

2.  
   Research your issue. Make a strong argument for your case by providing statistics that support it but be sure your sources are reputable. Keep a list of sources you plan to use to validate your position if anyone questions your facts.

3. Organize your ideas in outline form. Start with the main idea followed by the facts in order of importance. For example, if you want stiffer sentences for drunk drivers, write: "There needs to be stronger penalties for drunk drivers because they cause tragic damage to society." Try using a mind-mapping tool or outline template to help you build your argument logically.  Add a supporting argument to the first sentence.  Continuing with the example, write something like: "Every day, 36 people die  and 700 are injured by drunk drivers."  Next, cite the financial or environmental consequences. Argue with verifiable facts, not emotions, to persuade your representative of the rightness of your position.

    

4. Write a personal story to show what motivates you to write on an issue. Base your story on immediate experience, not second-hand narrative. Let your feelings show but make the story credible by calmly reciting what happened.

5. Proofread for grammar and spelling. Print your letter on standard 8 inch by 11 inch paper and mail in an envelope of the correct size. Be sure your representative's office mailing or email address is correct.

References

• USA.Gov: Contact Elected Officials
• Write Express: How To Write A Letter To Congress
• The Dirksen Congressional Center: Making Your Views Known: Writing A Letter To Congress

Resources

• Congress.Org
• The Chamber Of Commerce Of St. Joseph County: Communicating with Public Officials
• Project Vote Smart