How To Lobby From Your Home: A Guide to Make Your Voice Heard
Since 1989 The Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health has been working to promote best practices, education, family influence funding for children’s mental health issues.
To lobby simply means to promote or secure the passage of legislation by influencing public officials. Many special interest groups have full-time lobbyists in Washington, D.C. They are paid to present that group’s views to senators and representative and to ask for their votes on key legislation.
But there is none more influential lobbyist to a senator or representative that the voter back home. So right from your home you, too, can be a lobbyist-and it is as easy as writing or calling your local, state and national government officials. You can have a tremendous influence on our nation if you will only take the time to make your voice heard.
Edmund Burke one said that “all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.”
As a home lobbyist, it is important that you are well informed in order to be effective. Simply by reading your local newspaper and other news publications, you will be able to educate yourself on many of the critical issues of the day.
To help keep you informed, the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health forwards important alerts. Our updates on key issues are important to your family. The FOF office also offers a variety of papers, brochures, pamphlets and books to help keep you educated on the issues.
With these tools and your local newspaper, you will be well educated and able to give an informed opinion on any issue. This is up to you to express your opinion to your elected representatives.
One you’re informed on the issues, all it takes are writing materials or computer and postage stamps.
How to Write Your Legislators
The letters you write are very significant. Many legislators believe that your one letter represents the views of at least 100 other voters who did not take the time to express their opinion.
Your senators or representative may not see your letter personally. But you can be sure that a legislative assistant is carefully reading the mail to learn what the voters back home are thinking. Here are a few tips to remember when you write:
Be Informed
Get your facts straight. Quote experts on the topic or use actual news clippings to help prove your point.
Be Specific
State the specific issue that concerns you and, if possible, include the bill number and/or title.
Be Polite
You should be firm, but courteous. Anger and sarcasm will not win any points with your reader.
Be Original
The letter you write yourself is the most effective. But if you have time to only send a form letter, petition or preprinted postcard, do that.
Make It Easy to Read
Typed letters are best, but handwritten letters are acceptable. Write as neatly as possible.
Ask For an Answer
You’ll be surprised how fast you’ll get a letter back! Ask your legislator to state his views on an issue, and ask how he intends to vote.
Be Brief
Cover only one topic and try to keep your letter to only one page.
Say Thanks
Most people write only when they disagree with the way their legislator votes. It’s important to let him know you appreciate a favorable vote, too.
Legislators appreciate encouragement!
When to Write
Just before a key vote, your legislator will receive a flood of mail. Your letter will be worth much more If you write as soon as a bill is introduced, then follow up your letter before the vote.
How to Address Your Letters
The Honorable (first and last name)
U.S. Senate ◙ Washington, D.C. 20510
♥
The Honorable (first and last name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Use the salutation “Dear Senator (last name).” You will find the names and addresses of state and local officials at your public library or through your local voter registration office.
How to Write Letters to the Editor
Another powerful way to speak out on current issues is to write a letter to the editor.
Letters to the editor in both newspapers and magazines are very well read. You can have a lasting impact in both your community and the nation with a well written letter to the editor. Here are some tips that will help when you write:
Follow the printed guidelines of the newspaper or newsmagazine
Most publications will not print letters longer than 250 words. Keep in mind that the editor may cut some of your letter. State your point briefly as possible.
Avoid hysteria and name callingIf you write a letter in the heat of anger, you may be red-faced when you see it in print.
Cover only one topic
Make your letter simple and direct, and be sure of your facts. Use short quotes to support your viewpoint. Also, if you are writing in response to a specific article you read in the newspaper or magazine, be sure to not it. Editors are more likely to print those letters that refer to articles from their publication.
Sign your name and give your phone number
Most editors refuse to publish anonymous letters and will usually call to verify that you are the author of the letter. Some may even require your address.
Write while the issue is hot
Your letter will have the greatest impact if you respond within one or two days.
Becoming a Part of the FOF
You can become a part of the FOF by sending in $25 for an individual membership or $40 for a family membership to the address on this brochure or by calling 813-974-7930. Once you’ve become a member, the FOF provides numerous opportunities for involvement.
Leadership Roles
The FOF also provides opportunities for involvement on the local levels. These volunteer positions include:
Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Hillsborough County
13301 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Box #2, Room #2514
Tampa, Florida 33612
813-974-7930
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