Getting your message heard:
Write a letter to your legislator!

This method of communication, whether mailed or faxed, is at the heart of any grassroots activity.  If a letter is able to grab the audience's attention, the impact will be long-lasting.  Therefore, we make the following suggestions:

• State your purpose at the beginning.

• Only discuss one issue to avoid diluting your message.

• Be brief and to the point.

• Personalize any prepared text by adding your views.

• Include your address, phone number, and e-mail address.

• Describe the effect the proposal will have on business and the community by giving examples.

• Avoid jargon and technical language unique to our industry.

• Use facts to support your argument - unsubstantiated and irrational arguments are often dismissed.

• Keep the tone of your correspondence firm, confident, positive, respectful, and courteous.

• Request specific action from your legislator and ask for a reply that outlines the legislator's position.

• Offer your assistance as a local resource on the issue and future related issues.

• Write back to the legislator after the vote on the bill to express your thanks / disappointment with his/her vote. (If you do not know your legislator's final vote, please contact us at: grassroots@guard.com.

You can obtain your legislator's address via a
Legislative Lookup.