Bodies Like Ours | Intersex Peer Support

How to Write a Member of Congress

Letters are a powerful way to influence elected officials. The most effective letter is personal, concise, and informative. Links to sample letters are below.

Here are a few suggestions:

Be brief. State the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph. Keep it to one page.

Be factual. Support your position with facts and information about how legislation will affect you and your family.

Be legible. Type or write your letter neatly. Mail your letters individually and be sure to include your contact information. The addresses of your senators and representatives are available online.

Be persistent. If you do not receive a response, write a follow-up letter or call the U.S. Capitol at (202) 224-3121, ask for the office of your representative or senator and speak with the Legislative Assistant (the person who does research, drafts speeches, and advises on legislation). Describe your concern. Leave a message even if you get voicemail. Your voice counts!

Organize your letter into three paragraphs:
In the first paragraph, state your reason for writing and your "credentials." In the second paragraph, state your position with supporting evidence. Include a relevant personal experience. Avoid emotionalism -- stick to the facts. Offer an alternative approach where appropriate. In your third, and concluding, paragraph, request (not demand) a specific action, such as a vote for or against a bill. Offer your assistance.

Avoid e-mail. Although much easier and quicker, congressional offices which now have this capability report that their already stretched staffs are being inundated by electronic mail. Not all offices have e-mail or restrict emails to filling out a form on their personal page at senate or house.gob Faxes are also to be avoided if possible, as members find that their machines are frequently overloaded.

Where to Write

You do not need an individual office address to write to a member. The preferred address for all representatives, and senators, is as follows:

The Honorable ____________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator ____________:

The Honorable ____________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative ____________:

Correspondence addressed to your Members of Congress will have greater impact than mail sent to other members. Please be sure to include your full name, address and phone number.