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A partnership ministry of the Church in Society Program Unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Pennsylvania Lutheran synods, and Pennsylvania-based ELCA agencies and institutions.
900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 117 Harrisburg, PA 17109 Telephone: 717-545-3500 Fax: 717-545-3501 Email: lampa@lamp.org
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COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY WITH POLICYMAKERS
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Making Your Communications with Policymakers Count
Where do I find contact information for my legislator?
On the Access the LAMPa website at http://www.lamp.org. Internet Under the “Menu” on the home page, look for the box titled, “Find Your Elected Officials”. Enter your zip code and click “Find.”
The screen that pops up will show your federal officials. Click on the “State” tab to find your Pennsylvania legislators. (In many locations, you will need the Zip+4 code to access the information. If you don’t know it, fill in your address and click on “Look up Zip+4” at the bottom of the open window.)
The next screen will list your state senator and representative. Click on the name for contact information and a list of the committees on which they serve.
By telephone For the Senate, contact the Chief Clerk of the Senate at 717-787-7163. For the House of Representatives, contact the Chief Clerk at 717-787-2372.
Contact your local county Board of Elections. Their telephone number is in the Blue Pages of your telephone directory. You may also find a listing of legislators with district office addresses and telephone numbers in the easy reference listings.
Electronic communications (Emails and faxes)
Emails, faxes, and phone calls may not carry as much weight as a first class letter. They are most valuable when time is short and communicating with a policymaker is urgent. § Write only to your legislator. Copying all members of the legislature is not helpful. § Use a simple format for faxes and emails. Make your communication brief. § Do not include attachments. These are often deleted without ever being opened. § Ask for a response to your message. Include your full name and address in your email so that the legislator will know you are a constituent.
To find the email address of your senator or representative, go to www.legis.state.pa.us, click on Senate or House to reveal a drop-down menu. On both menus, you can choose a list of members. Click on your senator’s or representative’s name to find your information.
Letters (First class mail)
Identify Indicate your home address to assure the policymaker that you live in his/her district yourself
Identify Address only one issue per letter. Be as specific as possible using the name or bill issue number of legislation when available.
Explain State your position concisely in your own words. Identify the moral and social justice your position issues involved. Draw on your experiences for specific illustrations highlighting your position.
Be polite Be courteous and civil; avoid attack and insult. Thank you letters for past positions, quotes in the newspapers or newsletters, and noting courageous stands are warmly welcomed.
Be timely Communicate as soon as you know about proposed action on an issue.
Also…
Address Governor: The Honorable _______________________________ correctly: Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Governor _______________________________
Spell names State Senator: The Honorable _______________________________ accurately The Senate of Pennsylvania Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Senator __________________________________
State Representative: The Honorable ___________________________ Pennsylvania House of Representatives Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Representative _____________________________
When in doubt, contact the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry office at 717-545-3500 or by email at lampa@lamp.org.
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