#25

HOW to write your congressman, and do it right the first time.


 - Research your subject and find out about specific bills relating to
   your concern.

 - Include the author and number of the bills you are writing about.

 - Include the reasons you support or oppose a bill.

 - Personalize the letter; describe how this issue affects you
   personally or professionally.

 - Be brief.

 - Address the main points of the issue.

 - Make the letter as legible as possible.  Typed or letter quality
   preferably; NLQ is perfectly acceptable; draft mode - NEVER.  Hand
   written, legibly, is better than draft mode.

 - Do not use pre-printed form letters and postcards like we get from
   NRA, etc.

 - Do not threaten or be antagonistic.

 - Send letters to your local district office.

 - Use the proper form of address:
     The Honorable <senator name>    The Honorable <Assemblyman name>
     California State Senate         California State Assembly
     <District office address>       <District Office Address>

   I would, further, urge you to call your representative's office.
   My understanding is that, to the politicians, one letter represents
   10 members of their district; one telephone call represents 100
   members of their district.


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