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Contacting Congress
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It is so important to get involved and let your members of congress know where you stand on important issues relating to infertility and adoption. Each voice counts, and many dramatic changes have come about from small grassroots efforts. So get involved - it's easy!
WHO ARE MY CONGRESSMEN?
You have two senators that represent your state, and one member of the House that represents your local district. Contact these members and let them know that you are their constituents. They will want to know what you have to say.
You can find out who your congressmen are, and get their contact information by going to:
www.senate.gov and www.clerkweb.house.gov, or by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT THEM?
The most impressive form of contact (other than a personal visit) is a handwritten letter. Any form of contact is important and is counted, but the more personal and sincere, the better. Keep the letter short (no more than one page), and keep each letter focused on only one or two issues.
Telephone and email contacts are counted, but they are usually overwhelmed with these contacts, and some congressmen don't use their email very much. So send a letter if possible.
If you can arrange a personal visit, do it! You don't even have to travel to DC to do it. Congress adjourns in mid-October, and most members will be returning home to campaign or meet with constituents. Contact their local office (they each will have an office in your state) and see if there are any public meetings scheduled in your area. You can also ask for an appointment to meet with the congressman or one of their staff members.
WHAT DO I SAY?
Before you write or visit, organize what you want to communicate. Identify one or two specific issues that you want to address, and clearly state your position using no more than three major points. If you are planning a visit, prepare a 10-second version of your presentation in case you are interrupted. Keep your entire presentation to five minutes or less. If you are writing a letter, keep it to one page.
Do some research ahead of time to find out whether your congressman is a cosponsor of the bill you are discussing, or whether he/she is serving on one of the committees reviewing the bill. Be sure to mention these in your communications, and be sure to thank them if they are cosponsoring a bill that you favor.
HOW DO I GET RESULTS?
After presenting your case, ask what their position would be if a vote were held today.
If they are in favor of the bill, thank them for their support and ask them if they would consider becoming a cosponsor of the bill.
If they are not in favor of the bill, try to determine their specific concerns and ask what information they would need in order to address their concerns. Offer to provide this information in a follow-up communication. You may also want to ask whether there are other approaches that they would support (for example, if they are sympathetic to the financial burden of infertility treatment but are against insurance mandates, would they consider introducing legislation that offers other types of relief, such as a tax credit?).
If they are hesitant to commit to a position on this bill, ask what information they would need in order to make a decision. Offer to provide this information in a follow-up communication. Find out where they typically go for information on this topic, and offer to be a resource if desired.
Always thank them for their time and consideration, and always follow up afterward to remind them of any commitments made, or to provide additional information.
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