Decisions
affecting animals are made all the time by our elected officials.
Senators and representatives pass laws that protect pets, wildlife, farm
animals, and animals used in research. The job of these officials is to
be a voice for the people they represent.
To get your lawmakers to vote in favor of animals, you must tell them
what you think. This section will help you get your opinions across.
Your voice counts!
Contacting an elected official may seem scary. But it’s their job to be
there for the public. Keep these tips in mind when you make contact:
-
Introduce Yourself.
Give your full name. If you are part of a club or other
organization, include that as well.
-
Be Clear. If you are asking an
official to support or oppose a bill (an idea before it becomes a
law), give the number and title of the bill. Ask him or her to
support or oppose it.
-
Personalize it. Explain why the
issue is important to you, your family, and your community. This has
more impact than saying, “I oppose this because it’s wrong.” Knowing
as much as you can about animal issues will always help.
-
Know the Staff. Keep in mind
that elected officials usually have helpers in their office who
speak with the public. These staff members will pass on your
opinions to the official.
- Thanks All Around. If an elected official or staff member takes time to meet or speak with you, send a thank you note. In the letter, repeat what you talked about and ask for his or her continued support.
Get
on the Horn
Phone calls are the best way to reach Capitol Hill. If you call
during the day, there will be a staff person in the office to take
your call and address your concerns. Phone calls also work well when
quick action is needed. (You can follow up with an e-mail).
To contact lawmakers by phone, use the congressional switchboard
number, (202) 224-3121. (Be sure to get your parent’s permission
first!) Give your full name and age. All you need to say is: “I’m
calling to ask my representative/senator to support/not
support [bill number and title].” The switchboard operator will
connect you to your elected official’s office. For state officials,
you will find two addresses: One in the “district” (your local area)
and one in your state’s capitol. Call the state capitals first.
Writing Letters to Your Elected Officials
Sending personal letters is a great way to let your lawmakers know
how you feel. To find your officials,
click here.
Type in your zip code to see who represents you on both state and
federal (national) levels. You can click the photos to find each
official's contact information.
In the letter, focus on one point and explain how it affects you,
your family, and your community. You should also have someone look
at your letter before you send it. Then ask club members, friends,
and family to follow your example. The more letters an official
receives on an issue, the better!
Sending Your Letter
Here are some things to keep in mind when sending a letter to an
elected official:
- Faxing or
e-mailing a letter is better than mailing it, especially if it
is about a bill or act that will soon be decided on.
- Officials
receive a lot of e-mails. To make sure yours stands out, include
the subject, bill number and “support” or “oppose” in the
subject line.
- Postal
mail can take some time to make its way to your elected
official. So it’s best to use e-mails or phone calls for issues
that need quick action.
- When you
address your letter, use the official’s title and last name:
To Your Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator __________:
To Your Representative
The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative __________:
To Your State Representative
Dear Delegate __________:
