CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATOR

Why It Is Important To Reach Out

  • Let your voice be heard! Legislators value communication from their constituents. Writing, calling, or even tweeting your legislators is an easy was to share your thoughts with them.

When To Reach Out

  • Reach out to your legislators when you want them to vote a certain way on a bill or give your opinion on the issues.

What ToSay or Write

  • Immediately state that you reside in their district – this is very important to elected officials.
  • State the reason you are calling or writing, if there is a specific bill number be sure to include that information.
  • Explain how this issue effects your institution or the students you work with.
  • Thank the legislator for his or her service.
  • We’ve provided a template for guidance but be sure to incorporate your own words!

How To Find Contact Information

  • Visit:
  • Enter your home address to identify your Senator and Representative.

Return Address
Date
Senator’s Address
Salutation
Introduceyourself and identify that you are a constituent.
Why are you writing your Senator/Representative? Be sure to include any anecdotal evidence of the importance of your ask.
Thank your Senator/Representative for his/her service.
Closing with your name / Your Name
Address
City, MO Zip Code
[Insert Date]
[Insert Senator/Representative’s Name]
Address
City, MO Zip Code
Dear Senator [Insert Last Name]:
My name is [Insert Your Name] and I reside in your district. I am a [Insert Your Position] at [Insert Your School].
I am writing you to ask that you help make higher education affordable for all Missourians. I urge you to increase Access Missouri, the state’s need-based financial aid program. As a [Insert your title], I’ve witnessed first hand the financial difficulties students at [Insert Your School] face when attempting to access higher education.
Access Missouri helps many students achieve their goals of attaining a post-secondary degree or credential and currently, Missouri is in need of more skilled workers. In order to maximize our return on investment, we must increase need-based awards and help those who need it most.
Thank you for your service to Missouri and its students.
Sincerely,
[Insert Your Name]

This sample was adapted from The South Carolina State House Student Connection

KA 1/25/16