Write A Letter
Writing your legislator is a great way to advocate. Lawmakers commonly say that receiving as few as 10 letters on an issue gets their attention. A single, thoughtful, persuasive letter can change a legislator's mind.
Write when the iron's hot. If a bill is in a committee, write. When the committee begins work on a bill, write. If your legislator is not on the committee, wait until the bill comes to the floor. When the debate begins, write. A letter that is received just before the vote is taken will get the most attention.
When You Write:
- Be brief, clear, polite and legible.
- Limit yourself to one basic issue.
- Identify your affiliation with Catholic Community Services, a particular congregation, some other relevant organization, or the legislator's district.
- Use your own words and include any relevant personal experience.
- Express your concern about the issue in light of the mission of SPHS, or your personal conviction.
- Thank the legislator for past efforts, if possible.
- Urge the legislator to take a specific action (i.e. support or oppose a particular bill) and ask for a response.
- Include your name and address. View a Sample Letter
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