Petitioning Congress

The most successful lobbying methods are those that require personal effort and time.

We've listed the following approaches in order of effectiveness:

• Personal visits
• Personal letters
• Phone calls
• Telegrams
• Postcards
• Form letters/cards

Writing Letters

Follow these basic rules when writing letters:

• Be brief — keep to one page.
• Be legible — write clearly or type.
• Begin with a recommendation for a vote or speech, when possible. Emphasize taking a courageous stand and encourage continued leadership.
• Identify yourself as a constituent and mention your concern in the first paragraph.
• Outline your position — be as factual as possible.
• Only discuss one subject per letter.
• Request a specific action — a "yes" or "no" vote, have hearings on a bill, etc.

On policy matters, communicate directly with the Washington office of your representative or senator.