Proper communication techniques with your elected officials often can determine their responsiveness to your issues.  Before you begin writing, here are some tips to consider:  

Writing a Personal Letter

• Be sure to give your representative enough time to consider your point of view on an issue before having to vote on it.
• Only discuss one bill or topic per letter.
• Make sure that your letter is clear and concise and include the specific bill number or name.
• Use your own personal experiences to help illustrate your point.
• Be respectful--don't use offensive or rude language

Go Online to Voice Your Concerns

While a personal letter is probably still the best and most effective way to communicate with your elected official, email offers a new and easy tool for citizens. 

• Use the subject line to state that  you are a constituent.
• Be sure that your name and return address (both mail and email) are included.
• Don't write anything in an email that you would not write in a personal letter or say in person. 

Make a Phone Call

Elected officials appreciate communication with their constituency.  A brief, to the point phone call will demonstrate a greater constituent awareness of an issue and may sway or encourage their decisions accordingly.  When calling remember:

• Be brief and to the point.  Official offices are very busy places - the more concise your message, the more likely it is to be articulated clearly to your representative. 
• Be sure to request a written acknowledgement of your message from your representative.