Ways to Engage with Elected Officials

• 90 Second Letter
• Writing Tips
• E-mail Tips

The 90 Second Letter

Can you write a letter in 90 seconds?
Give it a try...

The most effective letters are only one page.

1. Request something
(For example: "Please help us care for people with disabilities by opening up the waiver waiting list. There are currently 4,299 people who are waiting for the opportunity to participate and contribute to their communities as well as to be cared for in a setting that is more appropriate for their needs.")

2. Give a reason
(Describe why this issue matters to you and the people you care about. It's very nice to add the story of one person or family.)

3. Add your thanks and request a response
(For example: Will you please let me know if you will vote to open up the waiting list? Be sure to include your home address.)

4. Salutations on envelope are:  
          The Honorable (Last Name)
     Salutations in the letter are:  
          Dear Representative/Senator (Last Name) State Legislators
          Dear Congresswoman/man (Last Name) U.S. Representative
          Dear Senator (Last Name) U.S. Senator

And, yes, you can email--
Be SURE to put your address in the subject line of the email, so you are quickly identified as a constituent.

 Tips on Writing Your Legislators

The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a
congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful
suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:

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 accordingly, e.g. House bill: H.R.___, Senate bill: S.___.
2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples
   to support your position.
3. Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the
   letter to one page.

Addressing Correspondence:
To a Senator:

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

      Dear Senator:

To a Representative:

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

      Dear Representative:

Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of
the House, it is proper to address them as:

      Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:

      or Dear Mr. or Madam Speaker:

Generally, the same guidelines apply as with writing letters to Congress.
When using an electronic service, it is always best practice to use your own words

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