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Congressional office. If youchoose not to use one of the customletters found on theBCTGM’s web site or do nothave access to the internet, considerthese helpful suggestions toimprove the effectiveness of theletter:State your purpose forwriting in the first paragraph ofthe letter. Only address one issuein each letter; and, if possible,keep the letter to one page. If theletter pertains to a specific pieceof legislation, identify it accordingly.Personalize your message.If you are writing on behalf ofyour local union, say so; and, ifyou are a constituent, let theMember know. If you are writingabout a legislative proposal,explain how it affects you, yourfamily, or your community.Be specific about the actionyou want the Member to take. Ifyou want information, request it.If you want the member to vote acertain way or cosponsor legislation,be specific and direct.Address your letter to yourRepresentative or Senator in thefollowing manner:To a Senator:The Honorable (insert name)United States SenateWashington, DC 20510To a House Member:The Honorable (insert name)U.S. House of RepresentativesWashington, DC 20515Call CongressYour legislator is there to listento you, so you should feelfree to call. Every Representativeand Senator maintains at leastone office in Washington, DC orin their respective state.To contact your Senators orRepresentatives in Washington,call the Capitol switchboard andask for the Senator or Representativeby name and state. Theoperator will connect you withhis or her office. (bctgm.org alsohas all such information.)Carefully plan your telephonecalls. Because Membersof Congress and their staffs gethundreds of calls, keep yourmessage between three and fiveminutes. You may want to writedown your points so you statethem clearly.When placing your call,identify yourself as a BCTGMmember and a constituent, callingfrom your district. Ask tospeak directly to the Member ofCongress. If he or she is notavailable, ask to speak with thestaff person who is responsiblefor the issue you are callingabout.Calling district offices of aSenator or a Representative is aseffective as calling theirWashington, DC offices, unlessyou must reach the memberdirectly. District staff is in constantcontact with theirWashington offices.Meet with your memberFace-to-face communicationis extremely effective. As legislatorsare usually very busy, applythe letter-writing tips: keep yourvisits short, make your pointquickly and clearly, and thankthem for their time.Plan your visit carefully.Know what it is you want toachieve. Determine who shouldbe with you at the meeting andexactly what you are seeking.Make an appointment.Write or telephone the office toarrange a specific date and timefor a meeting. It will be easier forthe Member’s staff to schedule ameeting with you if they know inadvance what it is you want,whom you represent, and whowill be attending the meeting.Be prompt and patient.After arranging a meeting time,be prompt. However, because oftheir crowded schedules, theSenator or Representative maybe late or your meeting may beinterrupted. When interruptionsoccur, be flexible and patient.Be prepared. Not only doMembers of Congress have hecticschedules; they often try tokeep abreast of more issues thanit is possible for one person toknow. Members are not likely tobe familiar with all the details ofevery piece of legislation, and,therefore, they value direct statementsor personal examples thatdemonstrate the positive or negativeimpacts of a specific issue orpiece of legislation. You do notneed to be an expert; simplyexplain how the legislationaffects you and why you supportor oppose it.Be political. A definedconstituency elects Members ofCongress, and they want to beknown for representing the bestinterests of their district orstate. Wherever possible,demonstrate the connectionbetween your position and whatyou are requesting and theinterests of the Member’s constituency.Ask for a commitmentor response.Follow up the meetingwith a letter of thanks that outlinesthe different points coveredduring the meeting, items ofagreement, next steps, additionalinformation required, and anymaterials you promised to send.March/April 2002 www.bctgm.org 5