» Written Communication

A third option is to send an email message. Most congressional websites have a link for sending electronic messages using a web form. Make sure to fully explain your concern in non-technical terms, and include a way that they can contact you for more information. Mail from constituents is almost always answered, even if they disagree with you or cannot do what you are asking. However, sometimes the staff who read the email send the wrong response, i.e., the message thanks you for supporting legislation that in fact you oppose. If that happens, reply to the message or send a new message letting them know that they misunderstood your position. You certainly don’t want your opposition to be recorded as support!

Before meeting with Members of Congress or their staff, it is helpful to know a few basic facts about the legislator and the district to give you some idea about how to approach your conversation.

Personal meetings in either Washington, DC or home district offices are effective ways to communicate your views and establish relationships with your elected representatives.

If you don’t have the time or opportunity to set up a personal meeting, a phone call to the legislator’s office is another option.

The definition of lobbying is generally considered to be communications intended to influence specific legislation.