Letters are a simple and powerful way to let a legislator know how you feel. Legislators pay attention because letters represent votes. And each letter is deemed to represent several likeminded citizens. Your letter may be formal or informal, typed or handwritten.

·  Be sure to identify yourself as a constituent and include your contact information.

·  Use the correct form of address.

·  Write from your own experience. A personalized letter carries more weight than a form letter.

·  Limit yourself to two or three paragraphs—no more than a page.

Tips On Writing Congress
The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:

  1. Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____.
  2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
  3. Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.

Addressing Correspondence:

To a Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of)Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator:

To a Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of)House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative:

Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:

Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:

Dear Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker:

Please let your elected officials know why school library must maintain funding

Elected officials are hearing from their constituents in record numbers as they undertake the difficult process of slashing budgets locally and statewide. While they have their own priorities, most legislators are influenced by the views and needs expressed by those they serve. That is why it is critical that you let your elected officials know why your school library must maintain their current level of funding. Please take time to write your own letter to your elected officials, using either the template below or your own words. You also can circulate this letter to your Friends of the Library group, your parent organization, teachers union, other organizations you belong to, your supporters and most loyal patrons. Ask them to join you in writing to their funding sources.