Writing to Your Legislator:
Why and How
Why write
- Legislators want and need the help, guidance, ideas, praise and criticism
of their constituents.
- Legislators are making decisions each week that affect you, your family and
your community.
- A good way to let them know what you think on an issue is to write!
- Taking the time as a citizen and voter to express your viewpoint in writing
can be persuasive to your legislator.
LEGISLATORS SPEAK FOR YOU IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
TELL THEM WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IMPORTANT ISSUES.
YOU ELECTED THEM!
How to write your legislator
You may think you have to be an expert to write to your legislator, but that's
not true. It is your concern and interest that mean the most.
Here are some ups to make writing easier:
1. ADDRESS IT PROPERLY
During the legislative session, send mail to:
The Honorable (name of Senator or Representative)
North Carolina General Assembly
c/o State Legislative Building
Raleigh, NC 27611
It is customary to write:
Dear Senator ______ or
Dear Representative ______
To find the name of your Senator or Representatives and for information about
their phone numbers, e-mail addresses and addresses of offices in their districts,
see the links on the NCWU Resources page.
2. IDENTIFY YOURSELF
Tell your legislator where you live and if you are in her/his district. You
can also tell her/him about organizations to which you belong. If you know some
way you share a common organization or local interest with your legislator, you
could mention that. It helps her/him identify with you.
3. BE SPECIFIC
If you know the bill number of a particular piece of legislation, use the
bill number and title in your letter. If not, briefly describe the issue to
show you know something about it
4. GIVE REASON FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR A BILL
Use your own words to tell how you believe the bill will affect you or those
who you know. Put it in human terms. Personal letters are much
more effective than form letters. Focus on 2 or 3 points at most Do not write
about more than one bill in the same letter.
Sample letter
145 Maple Avenue
Town, North Carolina 28777
May 15,1990
The Honorable John Doe
North Carolina General Assembly
c/o State Legislative Building
Raleigh, NC 27611
Dear Representative Doe,
I am a registered voter from Town in your district and a member of the women's
club of Town. I am also a member of Christ Church and I appreciate the time you
took to speak to our pot luck dinner last year.
I am writing about House Bill (Number), the bill which proposes to increase
funding for Domestic Violence programs, which was introduced by Representative
Mary Doe.
Two of my close friends volunteer at our local shelter for victims of Domestic
Violence and I am concerned about the crowded conditions I so often hear about.
I have contributed to help keep the shelter operating and I know the volunteers
work
to raise local private money, but the need is so great, I believe the state must
provide more money to support the services of Domestic Violence programs.
I hope that you will support the bill to increase funding 25%. I would appreciate
hearing from you about your position on this much needed funding increase.
Sincerely,
Mary Smith
Additional Ideas
BE BRIEF: Write about one bill or issue at a time. A one page letter is usually
most effective.
BE LEGIBLE: If it is a handwritten letter, you might want to write a draft
first,and then write a second copy that is neater and shorter. Make it easy to
read.
BE TIMELY: If you know when a bill is in a committee, write when the committee
begins to work on it. Write to your legislator when the issue is current and BEFORE
the bill comes to the floor for a debate or vote.
THANK YOUR LEGISLATOR: Be sure to write to thank your legislator too! Legislators
who are responsive to your interests should hear of your appreciation. Much of
the mail legislators receive is from displeased voters. A letter of thanks
will be remembered and appreciated.
YOU CAN ORDER COPIES OF BILLS
Write:
Printed Bills
Legislative Building
Raleigh, NC 27611
or call: (919) 733-5648
Give the bill number and short title.
TO CHECK ON THE STATUS OF A BILL
Call the Legislative Library at (919) 733-7779. Give the bill number and short
title. You may also check the NCGA web site, www.ncga.state.nc.us.
This document is a resource of the Women's Agenda Project
and was originally prepared under the auspices of NC Equity, NC Women United's
partner in that project. It can be copied freely, but please acknowledge NCWU
and let info@ncwu.org know how you are using
it.
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