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Your voice and your opinions are
powerful. Your Member of Congress is elected to represent your
concerns. It's up to you to voice those concerns and to make
sure your voice is heard. If you take the time to convey your
thoughts to your elected officials and follow up with them,
your message will have a great impact.
If you communicate with Members of Congress and congressional
staff, keep
The Chris Elliott Fund in the loop! Send copies of your
letters and faxes to The Chris Elliott Fund, 704 228th Ave NE
#254, Sammamish, WA 98074, so we can keep track of your
correspondence. This helps us coordinate efforts, and by
knowing who is doing what and where, helps us to be more
effective.
Tips when Writing Letters
Use the proper form of address
The Honorable Jane/John Doe
United States Senate
Washington, DC. 20510
The Honorable Jane/John Doe
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC. 20515
Address the letter "Dear
Senator/Representative Jane/John Doe". Be sure to include your
address on the letter. Envelopes often get thrown away.
Tips when Faxing
To obtain the fax number and phone number of your Member of
Congress, call
the Congressional Switchboard. The Senate can be reached at
202-224-3121 and the House at 202-225-3121. When faxing a
letter, call the Member's office to follow-up and confirm that
the letter has been received.
When Communicating with your Member of Congress
Be brief. One or two paragraphs is sufficient. Write about
only one issue in each letter. Refer to legislation by name
and, when possible, by bill number.
Get to the point. Start your letter by stating who
you are and what you are writing about. Support your position
in the remainder of the letter. Use facts, information, and
examples from your own experience. State how the issue is
relevant to you or your local area. Offer information. Be a resource
for your legislator. Cite sources, and send local news clips
on you and your issue. Make it a habit to forward copies of
local newspaper clippings and cite media coverage of
Glioblastoma activities and coverage in your area that is
relevant to your efforts funding issue. Attach a note
reminding him/her of your position. Even if the Member is
aware of the coverage, receiving a copy from a constituent
serves as a reminder that voters are concerned about the
issue.
Ask questions. If you have questions about your Member's
position on your issue, ask. This may require your legislator
or staff to look more closely at the issue in order to respond
to your letter. |
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