Chapter 9
How to Communicate With Members of Congress

Many ways to communicate with policymakers exist: letters, postcards, e-mail, phone calls, faxes, and face-to-face meetings. Advocates often wonder which method is most effective and whether all are counted equally. Each Congressional office has its own calculus and system for handling and “counting” different forms of communications. Generally, each policymaker gets a regular report from staff regarding how many letters, postcards, e-mails, phone calls, and faxes have been received recently on various issues and what positions constituents are advocating. No matter how you choose to voice your concerns, the most important thing is to weigh-in with your elected officials to ensure your voice is heard.

It is important to note that all offices handle constituent communication differently. Therefore, you might want to call each of your Members' offices and inquire as to how they prefer to receive constituent input.

For the most part, the information below and the tips and guidelines found in the next chapter apply to all forms of written communication, including faxes, e-mails, and regular letters. For more information, download “Sample Letters to Elected Officials."

Proper Forms of Address for Members of Congress

You can also reach your Members of Congress in the following ways:

• Phone through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121.
• E-mail your U.S. Representative through: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
• E-mail your two U.S. Senators through:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
• Visit http://www.ons.org/lac/ for alerts on priority issues, model correspondence to send to federal policymakers, and quick links and information about how to contact your Congressional delegation.
• Open up your local phone book, and look in the “Blue” pages, which have local, state, and federal government contact information.

The Health Policy Tool Kit is a project of the Oncology Nursing Society.