Introduce yourself. Begin by saying who you are: "I am a 9-year-old boy who lives in your district." Members of Congress often pay attention to letters that come from children.
Be brief. Like a good paragraph, a letter to your member of Congress should be about just one topic. It doesn't need to be any longer than four or five sentences.
Be specific. If you are writing about a piece of legislation, include its bill number or title.
Write the letter in your own words. Ask the advice of a parent or teacher, but make this your letter (you could suggest to your mom or teacher that they write a letter too!).
Say why the issue or the piece of legislation matters to you. " I am worried because the kids in my school don't get to have art class anymore." " A kid I know had an ear infection and his parents couldn't afford to go to the doctor." Say why you want him or her to vote for or against the bill or do something about the issue.
Be positive and constructive. Members of Congress are just like everyone else — they like to be appreciated. You might begin by thanking your member of Congress for working hard for the people in your district or state.
If you wish, include some facts from the newspaper or some place else to back up what you are saying. Even people elected to Congress don't know all the facts about every issue.
Jot down your letter on scrap paper first. When you are satisfied with it, type it carefully or write it in your best handwriting. If you are sending an e-mail message, ask someone to read it over first or use Spell Check.
Use Email or Fax your letter. Every piece of mail to a legislator must be checked to see that it is safe. So letters that go through the mail may take several weeks to reach your member of Congress. Ask a teacher or parent to fax your letter or use an e-mail message instead.
(Adapted from the National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths Manual, Children’s Defense Fund.)
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