Tools
Write a letter to the editor
Call your elected officials
Meet with your legislator
Participate in a Town Hall/Candidate Forum
Sign-up for e-Advocacy Network
Write a letter to the editor
Writing a letter to the editor is a key way to communicate with others in the community AND the legislator. Here are some tips when writing:
• Keep letters SHORT – under 250 words.
• Specifically state the problem and what should be done.
• Mention good and/or bad actions taken by your legislator on the issue.
• Submit letters with your full name, address, phone number, and whatever other information the newspaper requests.
• Do NOT use a form letter.
• Be aware they can take 2-3 weeks to be printed. If there is specific legislation involved, state when it is being voted on and ask public to write/call legislator on the issue.
• Be credible – cite sources, use specific information.
Send your ELCA Washington Office (washingtonoffice@elca.org) a copy of your letter!
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Call your elected official
Here are some tips when making phone calls to elected officials:
• You will speak to staff assistants who are responsible for recording the issues constituents call about.
• Making a call is simple, and will only take two minutes.
• Prepare your message, and keep your message short and to the point. One short paragraph is all you’ll have time to read, especially on a call-in day.
• Subscribe to e-Advocacy Networks to get notified when your call will make the most difference.
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Meet with your legislator
Meeting with your legislator is another effective way to advocate. Here are some tips for making the most of your time:
• In-district meetings are easiest
• Introduce yourself
• Thank the Member of Congress or staffer for his/her time
• Thank him/her for previous votes you liked
• Give your background
• Explain the issue
• Give a specific request or “ask”
• Keep it short – 15 minutes or so
With careful planning, these forums can be a great advocacy tool, if the best questions are asked. Here are some guidelines for good questions:
• Use good facts
• Are prepared ahead of time
• State a specific problem
• Tell a story and engage the audience
• Cite a specific call to action as a solution to the problem
• Leave no “wiggle room” for a non-answer
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Sign up for e-Advocacy
Sign up for the ELCA e-Advocacy Network! E-Advocacy empowers ELCA members to advocate for peace, justice, and care of creation. You'll receive timely updates from the ELCA on a wide variety of issues, including hunger, poverty, and the environment; and you can be confident knowing you are being asked to call or e-mail your elected officials only at the moments when your voice can make the most difference.
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