|| LIRS || Contacting Legislators by Phone or in Writing

Contacting Your Legislators by Phone or in Writing

Be a voice for the voiceless and an advocate for justice!

Congress and the president determine the fate of newcomers to America—how many can come and from where. They also make many other laws and policies affecting how newcomers are treated in our country. LIRS advocates for fair and just treatment of immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and those in immigration detention. Add your efforts to ours!

Speak Up!

“Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.” —Proverbs 31:8

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” —Micah 6:8

Why should I contact my legislators?

You have something to say. You have an opinion to offer, a story to tell, a request to make, a question to ask.
Your letters and calls influence lawmakers. More than the media, government information sources, lobbyist and many other forms of communication, voters influcene elected officials. If mail is light on a given issue, your letter will be very significant. If mail is heavy, your letter may be very important to offset a different opinion.
Your pleas and stories can change attitudes and votes. They can also support and reinforce favorable attitudes and views.

Whom should I contact?

Depending on the issue, there are various officials you may need to contact. Read the information LIRS publishes regarding any particular issue to learn who should receive your letters. Possibilities include...

elected government officials including the president, your senators and representative, and the governor of your state;
leaders of the House and Senate and members of congressional committees and subcommittees and their staff; and
members of the executive branch responsible for implementing policies.

Learn about their positions on the issues you care about.

How should I contact them?
If you wish to write to your senators and representatives, it is best to fax them. Because of security concerns, postal mail may take a month to reach their offices. You can find their contact information at the Senate and House websites. Fax the president at the White House fax number—202/456-2461.

Addressing a letter to a senator
           The Honorable (Full Name)
           U.S. Senate
           Washington DC 20510

           Dear Senator (Last Name)
Addressing a letter to a representative
           The Honorable (Full Name)
           U.S. House of Representatives
           Washington DC 20515

           Dear Congressman or Congresswoman (Last Name)
Addressing a letter to the president
           The President
           The White House
           Washington DC 20500

           Dear Mr. President:
Telephone Numbers
           U.S. Capitol Switchboard—202/224-3121
           Senate and House Bill Status—202/225-1772
           White House Ccomment Line—202/456-1111
Online Resources
           House Directory
           Senate Directory
           Thomas: Online Legislative Information

What should I say?

Again, be sure to read information published by LIRS on any given issue. We will provide issue-specific information and often make sample letters available.

Here are some additional suggestions to give your letter greater impact:

Personal letters are more effective than form letters. If you do use a sample letter, be sure to add a personal touch—tell a story that puts a human face on the issue or list the reasons why you are concerned.
Use your personal stationery or the letterhead of your church or civic group.
Be brief. Write short paragraphs and keep your letter to one page.
Be positive. Avoid criticism, veiled threats, name-calling and personally judgmental statements.
Include these elements in your letter:
- Introduce yourself.
- Express appreciation for a recent speech, vote or action, indicating your courteousness and knowledge.
- Address only one issue. State what it is and what you want done. Come to the point quickly. Be specific.
- Give reasons for your concern, a commitment and request. Draw on personal experience and specific situations; identify the issue's impact on people—members of your family, neighbors, people in other parts of the world.
- Ask specific questions. The more specific and original the more thought provoking and the more thoughtful the response. Also, ask, "How do you plan to vote?"
- Summarize and restate the main point in the last paragraph.
If possible, fax the letter. Postal processing can significantly delay letters.
To help us keep track of who is participating in our advocacy efforts, please send LIRS copies of any letters you write and responses you receive:
                122 C Street, NW, Suite 125
                Washington DC 20001
                fax: 202/783-7502
                dc@lirs.org