Contact Your Legislator
How to Contact an Elected Official in Chelsea, Beacon Hill, or Washington, D.C.
• Be polite, even if you disagree strongly with the official. • Include your street address so that the legislator sees that you are a member of their constituency. • If you would like to discuss this fur- ther, request a phone call, Zoom session, or a personal meeting. How to reach them: • If there is proposed legislation you have interest in, contact an official about the particular issue before the City Council or Legislature takes action on it. • If there is a specific course of action, urge the official to pursue it in your message.
Use a variety of communication methods. You might choose to contact this official by phone, letter, email, fax, or social media. If they are locally based in Chelsea, consider visiting their office in person or giving testimony before the City Council in a public hearing. Your elected officials are often receptive to constituents’ ideas. They value your sugges- tions and encourage you to express them. Here is the best way to get your idea in front of an elected Chelsea city officeholder or Bea- con Hill or Washington DC representative: • Understanding how an idea becomes a law on the city, state, or national level will help you effectively express your own ideas. • If you have an idea for a new law, or a better one, reach out to your elected Chelsea officials or state or even Washington DC representatives. Your effort could improve the lives of your fellow citizens. • Be concise, yet specific. Tell this of- ficial what effect you think a particular issue or bill if it becomes law will have on you or your community. Also, suggest a course of action and offer assistance.
Get up, stand up, Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, Don’t give up the fight. Bob Marley Robert Nesta Marley was a Jamaican singer, musician, and songwriter. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, the greatest hits album Legend was released in 1984, and became the best-selling reggae album of all time. He also ranks as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of more than 75 million records worldwide.
32 | Writing Letter to a Legislator
Students Pocket Guide for Civic Engagement
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