To locate your Senator or Representative: go to www.nh.gov/government/state.html, choose "Legislative Branch" and click on "Who's My Legislator?"
General Principles:
- Be friendly – legislators are happy to hear from constituents
- Remember – quantity matters. If a legislator hears from 5, 10, or 50 people, that is a groundswell
- Introduce yourself – give your name and town
- State your reason for contact – "I am asking you to support/oppose (issue, bill, etc.)"
- Use Bill number, sponsor and title if your contact is about legislation
- Tell your story (briefly) – how this will impact you, your family, people you care about
- Thank your legislator for the time and attention, for the support, for the vote. Call/write/visit again. When you establish a record of reasonable, positive correspondence you develop clout on future issues.
Phone Contact:
- You are not imposing by calling – legislators appreciate learning more about the issues they face
- Leave a message – state the bill number, your position, and a phone number in case there are questions
- If you don't know the answer to a question, say you will get the answer and call back, and then follow u
Write a Letter:
- If you use sample letters, add a personal touch if you can
- Do not use postcards
- Use personal stationery or letterhead if available
- Include your name and address on the letter – envelopes may get discarded
- Typed letters are easier to read, but handwritten letters are more personal (if they are legible)
Personal Contact:
- Make an appointment
- Introduce yourself – even if you've met before
- Get down to business quickly
- Ask what you can do
- Leave written material
E-Mail:
- If you are contacting your own legislator, put your name and town in the message
- Don't use attachments; not everyone can open them
Other Resources (Downloads):
» How A Bill Becomes A Law
» How To Testify