Center for Self Advocacy Leadership Partnership for People with Disabilities Virginia Commonwealth University The Partnership for People with Disabilities is a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability. If alternative formats of this document are needed, please contact the Partnership for People with Disabilities at 804/ or 800/ (TDD Relay). This project is funded by grant number 90DN0226 from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, US Department of Health and Human Services. The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and you should not infer endorsement by the Federal government. Please include this disclaimer when copying or using all or any part of the materials in dissemination activities.

I NEED TO SPEAK MY PIECE!! How to Write to YOUR Elected Representative

SOMETHING On Your Mind? You attend your favorite organization meeting and they give you background on a Bill that is important for people with disabilities, it is coming up for a vote They urge you to write to your representative and tell him/her to vote for (or against) this bill

WHO? ME? Yes, YOU! Your opinion really does matter! When a Bill comes up for a vote, the official goes to s, phone messages and letters that are sent to him or her about this Bill. Sometimes the Senator only gets ONE letter, or phone call for or against this Bill, and it is his duty to vote the way his constituents want him to vote. YES, Your opinion counts! So how do I write a letter?

WHO is My Elected OFFICIAL? Google :United States Senate” Look for the link “Find Your Senator” You will find a list with 2 Senators who represent your state. Each Senator’s entry contains: – Their full name, – the address of their office in Washington DC, and – a web form to contact them.

My Senator The Senator’s name will be highlighted. Click on this to find his or her personal Senate website. The website will give the Senator’s street address where he or she receives mail or receives visitors The website will have a “web form” that gives you a simple, direct line of contact for you to share your thoughts on a specific issue with your Senator.

Contact by using the Web Form Your personal information is required (name, address, etc.) In the form field which requests your address use your personal The last form field before entering your comment is the subject line. This is a menu from which you are required to choose a single subject.

Proper Etiquette The internet access is designed to help you communicate with your Senate representative, but it does not erase the need for etiquette and the proper form of address to an elected official. The proper salutation for a letter to a United States Senator is “Dear Senator (Last Name)”

Keep the Letter Simple Your letter should address a single topic or issue Typed one-page letters are best – Say who you are and why you are writing (If you want a response, you must include your name, and address, even when using .) – Provide some details about why this Bill affects you. Be factual not emotional. – Close by requesting the action you want taken on the Bill: a vote for or against it.

Things You Always Do W hen Writing to Your Elected Official Be courteous and respectful without “gushing” Clearly and simply state the purpose of your letter. Say who you are. Anonymous letters go nowhere. Keep the letter short – one page is best Use specific examples or evidence to support your position. State what it is you want done or recommend a course of action Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter

Things you Never Do in Writing to Your Elected Official Use vulgarity, profanity, or threats. Fail to include your name and address, even in letters Demand a response

Addressing the Envelope (hardcopy letters) The Honorable (Full Name) United States Senate (Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building United States Senate Washington DC 20510

Salutation Examples for Other Elected Officials (letters and s) Congress: Dear Senator or Dear Representative Sometimes you are asked to write to the Chairperson of a Committee or the Speaker of the House. -Dear Mr. Chairman or Dear Madame Chairwoman -Dear Mr. Speaker or Dear Madame Speaker

In Conclusion: Your opinion does matter. When you are a member of a small select group “People with Disabilities” the more you speak out, the more they learn and have a better understanding of disabilities and what our lives are like. SO GO FOR IT!

THANK YOU