Sometimes your legislator may reserve judgement, and his or her vote, until the sentiment of the constituency has crystallized. Don't write your legislators only when you have a complaint. Let them know when they have voted in a way that pleases you or if they have taken another action you like. In other words, don't miss the chance to congratulate members of Congress when they do something that you support. This cannot be stressed enough.
Praise is more likely to be remembered.
No action plan is complete without a letter of thanks. Write only when other forms of personal communication are not realistically available. When you know you will be in Washington, call or write to make an appointment. Don't miss the opportunity to drop by and try to talk to your senators and representatives. But they are busy people, so don't feel put down if you talk to a staff aide.