Constituents have the greatest chance of being heard by their legislative representatives. On the federal level, Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Every state has two senators and at least one representative (approximately one representative for every 650,000 people). Each congressperson also has a large staff dedicated to finding out where voters stand on important issues. On the state level, there is also a Senate and a House of Representatives. Locally, county and city councils represent their citizens, and in some states there are also regional legislatures.
Everyone in the Unites States is represented by two U.S. senators, one U.S. representative; one state senator, one or more state representatives; as well as county and city council members. You elect these people, so they are all very interested in what you have to say.
When to approach policymakers
It's never too early to begin establishing relationships with your representatives. Policymakers are people like you"they don't like being approached only when you want something. If there is a bill up for consideration or a vote is about to take place, they have already been working on the issue for some time. To be an effective advocate, you should cultivate a relationship with your representatives over time, so they know to turn to you when they need guidance on the topics you know and care about. And they will turn to you. Make it your business to establish yourself as an LD expert in the eyes of your elected officials and their staff members. Keep in regular contact with them"via a letter updating them on learning disabilities issues every month or so, regular phone calls, or a visit now and then. Over time, they will come to know and trust you as a source of information they can count on. It takes persistence, but representatives have to make decisions with or without you. Your input can help them make good decisions for people with LD.
Writing Letters
Policymakers pay attention to letters. Since September 11, 2001, regular mail can take up to 30 days to reach a legislator, because of the inspection process. But if you use more than one method of delivery (regular mail, fax and email), your message will get through. If you want to be sure your letter lands in the right hands, call your representative's office, and ask how he/she prefers to get constituent feedback. Personal letters from constituents are always effective, and it doesn't take bags of them to get a legislator to take notice. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you write:
Personalize your letter. Mass, computer-generated messaging is common these days, and policymakers will pay more attention to a letter they know comes from a real person. Typing your letter is fine, but include a small handwritten note at the bottom as a post-script. Share any personal experiences that directly illustrate the point you are trying to make (i.e., "My son, Jason, is a bright, curious child who does well in math and science, but because of his reading scores, his school, P.S. 123, wants him to repeat third grade. Retention is not the answer... "). Using professional stationery, if you have it, is also a good idea.
Include your name, address and other contact information on the letter. Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents. If you are sending an email, be sure to use your real name, not a username like LDmom. Anonymous mail will be ignored.
Be brief, specific and courteous. Keep your letter to one page, if possible, and be sure to politely state your specific request in the first few sentences. Avoid jargon; the language of your letter should be as simple as possible.
Mention any affiliation you have with the policymaker. If you know someone in the office or worked on the representative's election campaign, remind him or her. Having a personal association gives you even more influence than only being a constituent.
Enclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message. Never assume policymakers read everything you do. They might, but it is always helpful to bring good information to their attention.
If your letter is about a specific bill, budget item or policy, be sure to mention the name or number, if you know it. Also state whether you support or oppose it, and ask for the policymaker's views. Provide facts that back up your opinion, and share any personal experiences that pertain to the issue.
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Legislative Terms
act
A bill or measure after it passes one or both chambers of Congress; also used to describe a law that is in place.
adjournment
The end of a legislative day and any business of that day; different from recess, which does not end the day.
adjo... More >
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