Our friends in Washington tell us that the more personal effort you make in communicating the more weight what you have to say is given. Hand write your message if you can. A hand written postcard is a great tool. Type or computer print a one page letter and add a handwritten PS to your signature.

E-mail is a great tool too. You can easily reach the President, the Vice President, their cabinet members and every US Senator right from your computer, although believe it or not, not every member of the House of Representatives offers the public their email address.

Always put things in your own words with the simplest most direct language you can use. Leave no doubt about what you want your representative to do. Let them know you¹ll be talking to your friends and co-workers about the issue.

And always let them know that you're a registered voter. So few people vote today, that those of us who do wield much more power than you think. And so few of those who do vote take the time to write or call that those who do are considered to represent many more likeminded people.

Get a good clear understanding of the legislative process. Even the most basic understanding of the process will help you effectively express your ideas. An explanation of the committee process and how bills become law is in the Thomas legislative pages Citizen's Guide.

If the Thomas legislative pages are a little too dry for you, learn the process the way so many before you have, from the Schoolhouse Rock song that explains the whole thing in I'm Just A Bill.

Use a variety of communication methods. You might choose to telephone, write, e-mail, fax, or visit your legislator. You might also choose to give testimony at public hearings held by the Legislature. Tell your legislator what effect you think a particular bill, if it becomes law, will have on you, your children, business, or community. Be concise, but specific.

Be polite, even if you disagree strongly with the legislator you are addressing. Lawmakers cannot please everyone. Your communication will be more effective if you are reasonable in your approach.

Suggest a course of action and offer assistance. Don't make promises or threats.

When Writing:

• Be absolutely certain you spell your representative¹s name correctly and use the correct address. If you don't, you could lose your audience.
• Type or print legibly. Sign your name neatly and give your address correctly so they can respond to your letter.
• Keep letters, e-mail, and faxes brief. Never write more than one page. Written correspondence that is short and to-the-point is more likely to grab and keep the reader's attention.
• Identify your issue or opinion at the beginning of the letter, don't bury your main point under trivial text.
• Cover only one issue per letter. If you have another issue to address, write another letter.
• Back up your opinions with supporting facts. Your letter should inform the reader.
• Avoid abbreviations or acronyms, and don't use technical jargon. Rather than impressing your reader, such terms will only frustrate him or her.
• Don't send the same letter to more than one legislator. Personalized letters have more impact.

When Telephoning Or Visiting:

• Plan your call or visit carefully. Keep to the point and discuss only one issue. Organize your thoughts ahead of time and make notes to help you stay on track.
• When planning to visit your Senators or Representative, make an appointment. Don't just drop by your legislator's office and expect him or her to drop everything to see you. Call or write for an appointment as soon as you know when you are going to be at the Capitol.
• Prepare a one-page fact sheet concerning your issue to give to your legislator. This will help him or her better retain what you present.