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Involving Congregations in Advocacy Now (ICAN)
an ELCA guide to developing an advocacy ministry within your congregation
The How-tos of Advocacy
In this section:
 Make
Your Letters Count
WHY WRITE
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You have something to say, an opinion to offer,
a story to tell, a request to make, a question to ask.
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Letters Influence: Frequently mail is light on
an issue, thus making your letter very significant. If mail is
heavy, yours may be very important to offset heavy mail with a
different opinion.
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Constituent communications are more influential
that the media, government information sources, lobbyists, and
many other forms of communication.
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Your stories and pleas both change attitudes and
votes, but also support and reinforce.
WHO TO WRITE
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Those officials you elected are always most
responsive. Therefore, write your Senator, Representative,
Governor, President.
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Occasionally, the elected leaders within the
Senate and House and the related committees also need to hear
from you. Learn who those people might be for the issue that
concerns you.
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Members of the administrative or executive
branch responsible for implementing the program or caring for
the issue that concerns you.
WHERE TO WRITE
Write to either the Washington, state capitol, or
home district offices. As a constituent, your letter may get more
notice at the district office.
WHEN TO WRITE
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Early in the session to raise the need for
responding to a concern.
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Later on to address specific legislation and the
issues being debated.
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As the legislation is being considered in
committee, on the floor, or before the President or Governor for
consideration.
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Often enough to be known and respected - but not
too often to be a pest. Get others to write to increase the
chorus of voices on an issue.
WHAT TO SAY
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Spell name of official correctly. Use accurate
title.
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Write your own letter, not a form letter.
Handwrite personally and neatly or type.
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