For example, a legislator who has sponsored a hate-crimes bill would be a valuable resource in a social problems class. Your legislators were elected to represent you whether you voted for them or not. If you want them to represent you, you must make sure that they know your views. Members of Congress want to be re-elected. Therefore, they have a vested interest in wanting to listen to their constituents, especially when those constituents take the time to express their views.
Personal contact is the most effective form of communication.
Some Guidelines for Meeting with Legislators 1. Know your legislator. Be familiar with pertinent background information, your district s composition, groups, or interests which lent support in past elections, the legislator s committee assignments, and legislative interests. Know his or her voting record on educational issues. Introduce your concerns clearly.