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1
G
UIDE TO
C
ONTACTING
Y
OUR
C
ONGRESSIONAL
R
EPRESENTATIVE
Methods of Contacting your Legislators
Write a letter.
Letters are an important and effective way to introduce yourself andyourpurpose. Short handwritten letters are best, and always remember to be specificaboutthe action you want your member of Congress to take (
e.g.
sponsor the DREAMAct when it is introduced). Only send letters to the Representative from your localCongressional District or the Senators from your state. Your vote helps elect them -- or not -- and that fact alone carries a lot of weight. Sending the same "cookie-cutter"message to every member of Congress may grab attention but rarely much consideration.Make sure to include your full address so that they know you live in their district. Avoid petitions, as they are not as effective. (SeeSample Letter to Legislator below
)
Make a Phone Call.
You can call your U.S. Senator or Representative by contacting theCapitol Hill switchboard at 1-202-224-3121. Once you are connected to the right office,ask to speak to the staff member who handles immigration. Clearly have in mind aspecific request of your representative (become an original cosponsor of the DREAMAct).
Meet with your Member of Congress.
This is the most effective method of lobbying.
o
You can
organize a meeting
with your Member of Congress or his or her staff intheir Washington, DC or district (hometown) office. Members of both the Houseand Senate will be in their district office on the following dates, so schedule your district visits on these dates:
April 6 - April 17
May 25 - May 29
June 29 - July 3
August 3 - September 4 (Senate: August 10- September 7)
o
Representatives often host
town hall
meetings open to the public where you canask questions about specific issues. Call your member's district office (check the blue section of the telephone book for the telephone number) to see if any arescheduled.
o
Invite your Member of Congress to a
DREAM event
you have organized.
Preparing for your meeting
Wherever or whomever you meet, always prepare thoroughly for your conversation.
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