You don't have to be an expert to tell policy makers the priorities you think they should pursue. Describe briefly how the policy or legislation in question affects you personally or affects people where you live. If you have any personal association with the policy maker, let her or him know. Nothing is more effective in getting a policy maker's attention than letting them know you've worked on her or his campaign. In general, try to avoid sending letters by fax.
Many congressional offices find a fax intrusive and prefer letters that arrive by mail.
Follow-up letters can have a much stronger impact on policy makers and their aides than the initial communication. Thank the legislator for taking a correct stand or ask questions about any unsatisfactory answers they have given you. We interviewed congressional staff to identify the most effective citizen lobbying techniques. For a free copy of this study, email, call or write our national office.