Get involved and express your opinion about legislation that impacts you and your retirement well being:
Meetings
What can be really effective is to meet with your political representative and/or staff. Many politicians meet regularly with constituents that have requested a meeting. Just send the staff an email or letter, or call, asking to meet.
Another way to talk to your representative is to show up at town hall meetings. Go alone, with a friend, or get a huge group that they can't ignore. Participate by asking questions or stating your position.
Calling
Activists often strongly recommend calling legislators, not just emailing — and certainly not just venting. Above all, be polite and to the point. A phone call from a constituent can hold more weight than an email, and likely far outweighs a Facebook post or a tweet. While scripts found on the internet can be useful for people uncomfortable talking on the phone, it might be better to make the phone calls as personal as possible with the personal impact of your individual story. It is fine to leave a clear message with the staff person.
Writing a Letter (Preferred) or Email
Personal messages, preferably in a letter, from constituents can be a very effective way of communicating with your legislators. Always be sure to include your name and address to make it clear that you live in the relevant district or state. All letters should start with Dear Senator/Representative, and they can be just a few paragraphs about a single issue.
While you can always use information you have found through various sources, you should write your letter in your own words. Include specific information about the bill or program about which you're writing. Details about personal or local impact are very effective. Always be courteous, and be very clear about what action you'd like your legislator to take.
If you have a position on an upcoming piece of legislation, write a short letter with the bill number and your position easily discerned, so it could be quickly and accurately categorized by staffers. Put that right in the subject line (e.g. S.2376 - AGAINST the bill). That way, they don’t have to read the rest to find out if you are for or against the legislation.
Social Media
The newest and easiest method of contacting your representatives is through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. While phone calls and letters may still carry more weight in the eyes of lawmakers and congressional aides, speaking to your legislators through social media has the advantage of occurring in the public eye. When you comment on your legislator’s Facebook page or send a tweet, other constituents can read your message. This may spark a dialogue. It could also help increase awareness about the issue you’re raising and build support for your cause.
Through social media sites you can ask questions, respond to legislators’ posts or Tweets, encourage them to take action, thank them when they do something you support, and much more. Always be respectful and never use offensive language.
What can be really effective is to meet with your political representative and/or staff. Many politicians meet regularly with constituents that have requested a meeting. Just send the staff an email or letter, or call, asking to meet.
Another way to talk to your representative is to show up at town hall meetings. Go alone, with a friend, or get a huge group that they can't ignore. Participate by asking questions or stating your position.
Calling
Activists often strongly recommend calling legislators, not just emailing — and certainly not just venting. Above all, be polite and to the point. A phone call from a constituent can hold more weight than an email, and likely far outweighs a Facebook post or a tweet. While scripts found on the internet can be useful for people uncomfortable talking on the phone, it might be better to make the phone calls as personal as possible with the personal impact of your individual story. It is fine to leave a clear message with the staff person.
Writing a Letter (Preferred) or Email
Personal messages, preferably in a letter, from constituents can be a very effective way of communicating with your legislators. Always be sure to include your name and address to make it clear that you live in the relevant district or state. All letters should start with Dear Senator/Representative, and they can be just a few paragraphs about a single issue.
While you can always use information you have found through various sources, you should write your letter in your own words. Include specific information about the bill or program about which you're writing. Details about personal or local impact are very effective. Always be courteous, and be very clear about what action you'd like your legislator to take.
If you have a position on an upcoming piece of legislation, write a short letter with the bill number and your position easily discerned, so it could be quickly and accurately categorized by staffers. Put that right in the subject line (e.g. S.2376 - AGAINST the bill). That way, they don’t have to read the rest to find out if you are for or against the legislation.
Social Media
The newest and easiest method of contacting your representatives is through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. While phone calls and letters may still carry more weight in the eyes of lawmakers and congressional aides, speaking to your legislators through social media has the advantage of occurring in the public eye. When you comment on your legislator’s Facebook page or send a tweet, other constituents can read your message. This may spark a dialogue. It could also help increase awareness about the issue you’re raising and build support for your cause.
Through social media sites you can ask questions, respond to legislators’ posts or Tweets, encourage them to take action, thank them when they do something you support, and much more. Always be respectful and never use offensive language.