Write Your Representative

Empower yourself

As you inform yourself about the basics of sustainable living, you will literally begin to see the world in a new light.     You will become aware of ongoing or planned human activities that are not sustainable.  You may want to empower yourself and become a voice for sustainability and evolving consciousness.  

As the world continues to change, there are numerous ways to utilize your personal power to help assure such anthropogenic change is in right relations with all of Life.   We will mention only two such uses of your personal power.

1)      As a former “consumer” turned “borrower/returner,” you can use your purchasing power to procure (borrow) only those human creations that are produced in a sustainable manner.  You can recycle (return) all that you borrow.

2)      As an informed member of a democratic social order, you can not only vote for a specific representative that represents your sustainable principles, but you can also write, phone, or email that elected representative and concisely express your opinion, your concern, your solution, etc.   Democracy is not an end state – it is an ongoing complex “steering” process of taking in hundreds of millions of individual needs/wants/desires and arriving at a preferred setting for the rudder of a common ship of state.     

Tips for contacting /writing your elected State & Federal government officials

Step #1   Define who you want to contact.   
For example use  www.usa.gov  (http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml)

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Step # 2  Formulate a clear, concise, constructive message.  

There are numerous web sites that provide great suggestions for formulating your message.  We suggest that you:  Be respectful.  Avoid blaming (blaming transfers your power to someone else). More... 

Step # 3  Lick the stamp, pick up the phone, hit the send button.

You will feel better.   Our democracy will benefit from hearing your perspective.

 

Tips for Communication with Elected Officials

It's usually best to send letters to the representative from your local Congressional District or the senators from your state. Your vote helps elect them -- or not -- and carries a lot of weight.

Keep it Simple
Your letter should address a single topic or issue. Typed, one-page letters are best. A three-paragraph letter structured like this is suggested:

  1. Say why you are writing and who you are. List your "credentials." (If you want a response, you must include your name and address, even when using email.)
  2. Provide more detail. Be factual not emotional. Provide specific rather than general information about how the topic affects you and others. If a certain bill is involved, cite the correct title or number whenever possible.
  3. Close by requesting the action you want taken: a vote for or against a bill, or change in general policy.

The best letters are courteous, to the point, and include specific supporting examples.

Always

  1. Be courteous and respectful without "gushing."
  2. Clearly and simply state the purpose of your letter. If it's about a certain bill, identify it correctly. If you need help in finding the number of a bill, use the Thomas Legislative Information System.
  3. Say who you are. Anonymous letters go nowhere. Even in email, include your correct name, address, phone number and email address. If you don't include at least your name and address, you will not get a response.
  4. State any professional credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those pertaining to the subject of your letter.
  5. Keep your letter short -- one page is best.
  6. Use specific examples or evidence to support your position.
  7. State what it is you want done or recommend a course of action.
  8. Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter.
Never
  1. Use vulgarity, profanity, or threats. The first two are just plain rude and the third one can get you a visit from the Secret Service. Simply stated, don't let your passion get in the way of making your point,
  2. Fail to include your name and address, even in email letters.
  3. Demand a response.

    4. How to Write Letters to Congress

    So, you're going to write your Congressman? Good idea. Make it a good letter.... http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/letterscongress.htm

    How To Write Letters to Elected Officials

    When writing members of the U.S. Congress, it is usually best to write only to the Representatives and Senators from your district or state. Mass-mailings to all ... http://usgovinfo.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Write_Letters_Elected0962932964.htm

    Tips for Face-to-Face Meetings with Members of the U.S. Congress

    All Congressional offices in Washington require a written appointment request. Some Members do offer "walk-in" meeting times in their local offices, but an ... http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepoliticalsystem/a/meetreps.htm

    Identifying Legislation

    Cite these legislation identifiers when writing to members of Congress:

    House Bills: "H.R._____"
    House Resolutions: "H.RES._____"
    House Joint Resolutions: "H.J.RES._____"
    Senate Bills: "S._____"
    Senate Resolutions: "S.RES._____"
    Senate Joint Resolutions: "S.J.RES._____"