Do you have a strong opinion on proposed legislation?
THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION IS NOW – Here’s how…
#1 – Educate yourself. Read the actual legislation and also read at least two or three balanced news articles about the proposed legislation.
- Link to VTDigger.com
- Times Argus
- Burlington Free Press
- VPR News
- Link to the Vermont Legislature Bill Search
#2 – Contact your local representatives and let them know how you feel
- You will find contact information for your local representatives there.
- Send them a brief email or you can use traditional ‘snail’ mail
- Or give them a quick call at the Statehouse – You will be asked to leave a message with the Sergeant-at-Arms. (802) 828-2228.
What to Include:
- Be sure to include your name and the town you are from
- Be clear and direct about what you are asking them to support or not support
- Be brief and concise
- Feel free to share a personal story
#3 – Call Governor Phil Scott and leave him a message on his voicemail
(802) 828-3333 – Leave a message
#4 – Engage in dialogue and civil discourse with other people
- Listen to their points of view and respectfully share your own
How to Write a Letter or Email to Your Legislator
KEEP IT BRIEF
— Keep letters to one or two pages. Try to discuss only one bill or issue in a letter.
IDENTIFY YOURSELF
— Begin with an introduction of yourself or the organization on whose behalf you are writing. Use a simple statement, such as “I am a tenth-grade student at Harwood Union High School” or “I am a resident of Moretown”
GET TO THE POINT
— Follow your introduction with a brief statement of your issue or concern, such as “We urge your support for (Bill #), which will ________.”
If you are writing in reference to a specific bill, include the bill number. Follow your opening paragraph with a concise explanation of why you support or oppose the particular bill or issue. A few strong, well-thought-out arguments are much more effective than a laundry list of reasons to support or oppose a bill. Whenever possible, use bullet points to outline your arguments. Also, try to include strong evidence to back up your arguments.
RELATE IT TO HOME
— Help the legislator understand why your position is important to his or her constituents. Include specific facts about how a bill will impact citizens in the legislator’s district. If possible, include a local anecdote illustrating the problem you are seeking to address. Avoid the use of form letters or generic postcards — use your own knowledge, experience and especially personal stories to inform the legislator.
ALLOW FOR FOLLOW-UP AND/OR REQUEST A RESPONSE
— Include specific contact information and offer to act as a resource should the legislator or staff have questions or need additional information. Where appropriate, state in the letter that you will follow up with a telephone call. You might also consider asking a direct question about the legislation or asking for a brief response in return.
ADDRESS YOUR LETTER CORRECTLY — See the details on addressing your letter below.
Using Email
Email can be an easy and effective tool for communicating with legislators. The tips outlined above for writing letters to legislators also apply to emails: keep them brief and to the point, with facts and personal stories relevant to the legislator’s district.
Avoid informal language — Email to a legislator should be treated as seriously as a written letter. Resist the temptation to use the informal language and symbols often associated with e-mail communications. Never use impolite language or make “demands.”
Include your full address and zip code — Make sure the text of your e-mail includes your full name and street address, including zip code. Many legislative offices screen emails for address information identifying the sender as a constituent. E-mails that appear to come from outside the district are unlikely to be read and may be blocked by filtering programs.
How to Address Your Letters and Emails
UNITED STATES SENATORSThe Honorable (full name)
|
VERMONT SENATORSThe Honorable (full name) FOR MEMBERS OF THE VERMONT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESThe Honorable (full name) |