One effective way to contact your local Senator or Representative, especially if you do not have the opportunity to come to Washington, is to write that Member of Congress a letter. Members of Congress read their mail, and respond to keep their constituents abreast of their stance on issues. There are several good tips when it comes to writing a member of Congress:

1. Identify Yourself as a Constituent – Make sure the Member of Congress knows that they represent you directly, and do this in the beginning of the letter.

2. Make your letter personal – If a letter appears to be a form letter, it will carry less weight than a letter that a constituent has written him or herself.

3. Keep your letter concise – Pick one issue and stick to it. Members of Congress and their staff get piles of mail each day, and the more focused your letter is the more likely that it will get read in detail.

4. Do Your Research - While it is important to keep the letter short and to the point, it is also key to demonstrate that you know what you are talking about. Show your knowledge of the issue that you are talking about by referencing specific bills and situations.

5. Keep the Dialogue Going – When you hear back from your Member of Congress, don’t stop there. Keep writing, and show them you are truly engaged in the issue, not just another one time letter writer. Also, let them know you appreciate their response.

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