Today is the best day to start a relationship with your Congressman or Senator's office, if you haven't already. If you already have such a relationship, take a moment to drop them a line. Tell them about your work, the lives you touch everyday. Let them know that what they've done in the past is working and what they might do in the future can return even more results.

As former congressional staffers, we know the value of the personal contact between a constituent and a lawmaker's office. It's the contact from back home that matters more than anything. Members of Congress and their staff hear from Washington lobbyists every day; receive tons of generated mail; and are inundated with broadcast and print advertising.

But often, that avalanche of professional media can be overcome with a handful of phone calls and letters from the district or state. Don't underestimate the power of the pen or the phone. And don't underestimate the impression of you and your work that a congressional staff person might bring to the boss, if you take the trouble to be in touch even when you're not asking for anything—just sharing the good news of why the legislator's work is important.

Becoming a Citizen Lobbyist
One of the complaints Congressional staffers have about citizen or nonprofit lobbyists (and don't be afraid of the term "lobbyist") is that they are too much like "normal" lobbyists: they don't take the time to establish a relationship with a lawmaker and his or her staff. Break the mold. The people you serve will be better for it. The communities in which you work will be stronger. And, no small feat, you'll have educated a lawmaker and his or her staff—starting today.

The simple fact of the matter is: you're relevant. Take the time to take make that work for you.

Whether it is pushing for increased Federal, state, or local support for existing programs or encouraging support for innovative approaches to addressing the issues that concern you, the importance of sharing true-life stories of the need cannot be overstated. Where current policies don't get the job done, dialogue toward creative solutions is the best approach.

The Power of the Pen, Virtual or Real: Letters that Work
The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a Congressional office. Letters that count with policy makers are those that show evidence of thought and commitment.. If you decide to write a letter, consider this list of helpful suggestions as a way to improve your chances of getting your member of Congress or Senator to hear what you have to say.

In general:

• Tell briefly about yourself and your involvement with the issue that concerns you. The personal touch is a great way to call attention to your request.
• State your purpose for writing in the first paragraph of the letter.
• Be original. Never use a form letter or send copies as originals. Don't worry about typing?sometimes handwritten letters are best (just make sure it's legible!)
• Be courteous, to the point, and include key information about your program.

If your letter takes the form of an invitation for the legislator to attend an event:

• Write early, and follow up with the official's scheduler.
• Let them know that you may have media at the event and that you are distributing press releases for a local event that has a national focus.
• Address correspondence to the local office, if you have the address. If not, you can find addresses for every member of Congress at the following Web sites: Write Your Representatives or Contacting Your Senators.

Or use these general addresses:

For a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

For a Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives

Other Resources for Action
Check out these great resources to help you take action on the issues you care about most.

CFK Action Central

ABC's of Advocacy: Tools to make an impact on public decisions.

Talking Points: Make a stronger case with good data.

Media Tips for Nonprofits: Talktime online chat transcript.

Youth Experts: Experts on a range of youth issues.

Advocating for Kids: CFK Talktime online chat transcript.

This article was originally published by Connect for Kids in March 2000, and revised in January 2007.