My child is struggling 
Now that my child has 
About Email
Members of Congress receive millions of emails each year. Getting your message to stand out among those numbers is tricky, but it can be done. If you are going to email, be sure to refer to a specific piece of legislation in the subject line (i.e., Support Early Intervention for Children with Reading Difficulties), and include your mailing address, so the reader knows you are a constituent. Individualize your email by sharing those personal experiences that pertain to your argument. Some mass email campaigns generated by Legislative Action Centers, such as www.LDadvocate.org, allow you to edit the text you are sending, so use that option to make your email letter stand out.
Making phone calls
Picking up the phone is an easy way to reach out to policy makers, and it is immensely effective. Your representatives should have their phone numbers listed in the blue pages of the local phone book, but you can always get the contact information for federal legislators through the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121, or visit the NCLD Legislative Action Center, where you can enter your zip code and get complete contact information for your elected officials.
When calling, ask to speak to the aide who is responsible for disability issues. Speaking to an aide is as effective as speaking to an actual legislator; their staffs exist to be their experts on what voters care about. Use the same guidelines for a phone call as when you write. Before you dial, be sure to:
- Prepare what you are going to say. Write down a few concise talking points, so that you don't have to remember everything in the heat of the moment.
- Mention your name and address, so they know you are in their district.
- Be prepared to leave a message. Whether it's voicemail or a receptionist, spell out your name and address and leave a short message outlining what you are calling about ("I'm calling about the pending reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the need for early intervention for struggling readers.").
- Follow up any phone call with a written note, preferably sent via fax. This way the legislator has a written record of your call, and you have another opportunity to reinforce your message. The note should clearly include your name, address, phone number and when you called. If you were able to speak to someone, be sure to thank him or her.
Meeting with Policymakers
It may seem daunting, but the best way to ensure policymakers get your message is by telling them, or their staff, in person. Visiting a legislator is easy. All you have to do is make an appointment in advance. You can visit them at their district offices when they are home (typically on Monday and Friday), or go to see them on Capitol Hill (if they are federal legislators).
Before you go, think about the following:
Consider bringing a delegation
It's less intimidating for you if you are part of a group (i.e., a group of parents of children with learning disabilities, or a diverse group of educators, parents and psychologists), and your message will be even stronger because of your numbers. If you are a team, be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking.
Why are you going?
You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go. Be able to give a 90-second version of your presentation. It should include your name, where you live, what pertinent groups you are a part of, a synopsis of the issue you are addressing, and a clear request (e.g. "Please support 'Bill X,'" or "Oppose the passing of resolution 'Y'"). Your appointment will probably be very short (10-15 minutes), so start with the summary and then expand as time permits.
Know where the policymaker stands
You'll be able to prepare your strategy during the meeting if you know exactly where the person you are meeting with stands on the issue you are addressing. Call the office or check out Project Vote Smart. You can also call the office before you go and ask what his or her position is.
Prepare something in writing
Whether it is a one-page summary of your presentation or a folder with articles and statistics supporting your request, you should always have something to hand the person you meet with. Also, be sure that whatever you hand over has your name, address, phone number and email address on it. Getting in touch with you, once you've left, should be effortless.
Follow up with a thank-you note
Once the aide can connect a face with your name, don't let him or her forget. Your note should be short and should briefly summarize what you discussed at the meeting, include any information you promised to provide and as always, include all your contact information.
If you've stated clearly and concisely why you are there, and there's some time to spare, explain whom this issue will affect and how. If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you are pleased about, let him or her know that. Policymakers hear lots of criticism; genuine praise is always welcome. You may spend a lot of time listening to what the policymaker's views on your issue are, or you may have to educate them on some basics--be prepared for either scenario. Also let him or her know that you will share what happens at the meeting with a wider audience back home (such as your local learning disabilities advocacy group). This is a relationship you are building, and even if you don't see eye to eye, it's important to keep the door open to continued communications.
