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For better or worse, lobbying legislators is at the core of the democratic process in the United States. Although the Sierra Club lobbies heavily on behalf of environmental issues, individual lobbying efforts can be extremely effective in influencing a representative's position on important issues. Here's how to make sure that your voice gets heard:
First, make sure you know who your elected representatives are and what their contact information is. A visit to Congress.org will get you this information -- all you need is your zip code.
In many states, a "Lobbying Day" is organized for environmental issues. Your local Sierra Club Chapter is a good source for information on such efforts and on other calls for specific lobbying actions.
The key to any lobbying effort is to request a specific action. Don't leave it to "I hope we can count on you to do the right thing." Directly ask the legislator to co-sponsor a bill or vote a specific way. If you're writing a letter, request a response. Legislators have limited time, but if you ask them, they may be able to send a short note or make a phone call informing you how they intend to vote.
If you have the opportunity to meet personally with your local legislator, memorize one concise statement that describes the issue, bill or amendment in question. Be specific and try to find a way to personalize the issue and how it affects you. It's a good idea to leave a fact sheet with the legislator and to follow up with a letter that recaps your discussion.
If a legislator is not available, take advantage of meeting with staff. Staff members are the eyes and ears of the legislator; they are responsible for drafting, recommending, and derailing legislation.
Personal letters are extremely effective because they show legislators that the author is knowledgeable, interested, and committed to the matter at hand. Sending a personal letter also alerts the legislator to the fact that the author is politically active. Legislators keep close track of how their mail is running on particular issues, so your letter will have an influence regardless of whether the elected official personally reads it or not. Many legislators argue that one clear, logical individual letter is worth more than a petition with a thousand signatures!
E-mail is generally regarded as less effective than conventional letters. Nevertheless, if that's all you have time for, then write your e-mail just as you would a personal letter. Write in complete sentences and keep the language respectful. Take advantage of the email subject line to give the legislator an idea of what the letter is going to be about. Include the bill number, if possible. Again, you should request a response, and you should provide your home address.
Visit the Sierra Club's Take Action site for online activism.
More tips for effective activism.
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