Here is a link to Congress.org to find and contact your Elected Officials. It will provide all of the items listed below:

The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a legislative or 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 sentence of the letter. If the letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H.R. _____, Senate Bill: S. _____. (for bill numbers try Thomas The Library of Congress to search with words or phrases or details of a bill number you may know).

2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position. State reasons for your position. Tell how the issue affects you and your community.

3. Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.

4. Make sure your letter is timely. Write when legislation is pending in committee.

Addressing Correspondence:

The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator ______(full name)_________:

To a Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative ______(full name)_________:

Note: When writing to the Chief of Staff 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. Speaker or Madam Speaker:

Note: If you know the exact address of the Member, use his or her building and room number in place of the general address: United States Senate, or United States House of Representatives. This information can often be obtained through searches at:

• House Office of the Clerk
• Senate.
• And you can direct information to your Legislators

Detailed Address Examples

The Honorable Maxine Waters
2344 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515-0535

Sending E-Mail to Congress

• The United States Senate's World Wide Web Service
• The U.S. House of Representatives' World Wide Web Service
• And you can direct contact to your Legislators

The body of your message should use the following format:

Your Name
Address
City, ST, ZIP

Dear (title)(last name),

Start your message here.

Your Signature

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number

SUGGESTIONS FOR A PERSONAL VISIT

Meeting with a member of Congress, congressional staff, or their counterparts in your state legislature, is a very effective way to convey a message about a specific issue or legislative matter. Below are some suggestions to consider when planning a visit to a congressional or legislative office.

Plan Your Visit Carefully: Be clear about what it is you want to achieve; determine in advance which member or committee staff you need to meet with to achieve your purpose.

Make an Appointment: When attempting to meet with a member, contact the Appointment Secretary/Scheduler. Explain your purpose and who you represent. It is easier for congressional staff to arrange a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss and your relationship to the area or interests represented by the member.

Be Prompt and Patient: When it is time to meet with a member, be punctual and be patient. It is not uncommon for a Congresswoman or Congressman to be late or to have a meeting interrupted due to the member's crowded schedule. If interruptions do occur, be flexible. When the opportunity presents itself, continue your meeting with a member's staff.

Be Prepared: Whenever possible, bring to the meeting information and materials supporting your position. Members are required to take positions on many different issues. In some instances, a member may lack important details about the pros and cons of a particular matter. It is therefore helpful to share with the member information and examples that demonstrate clearly the impact or benefits associated with a particular issue or piece of legislation.

Be Political: Members of Congress want to represent the best interests of their districts or state. Whenever possible, demonstrate the connection between what you are requesting and the interests of the member's constituency. If possible, describe for the member how you are your group can be of assistance to him/her. When it is appropriate, remember to ask for a commitment.