• Be brief, specific and courteous: keep your letter to one page and state the purpose of your letter clearly in the first paragraph. If your letter pertains to a specific bill, identify it.
• Ask for a reply: always close your letter by asking for a written response.
• Send your letter via fax or email if possible. In these days of heightened security, it has become more difficult to reach a congressman through traditional mail service. You can contact the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your representative’s office to obtain the fax number and or email contact information. You can obtain contact information by clicking here.

Addressing your letter:

To a Senator:

The Honorable _______________
Room # and name of Senate Office Bldg.
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To a Representative:

The Honorable _____________
Room # and name of House Office Bldg.
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

Find your state senators at www.senate.gov
 
Find your state representatives at www.house.gov
 

Placing a Phone Call

For those who prefer to make a personal call, we offer these tips:

• Identify yourself as a constituent: “My name is Jane Doe and I live in Chicago.”
• Be brief and clear: tell them why you are calling, give a bill number if applicable, state the action you would like to see the lawmaker take on the issue and ask where your lawmaker stands on the issue.
• Be courteous and ask for a response: if the lawmaker does not support your position, kindly let them know you are disappointed and how they will reconsider. Ask for a written response on the issue.
• Remember that most calls are taken by a staff member and not the elected official. When calling, ask to speak with the aide who handles health related issues for the official.

Face to Face Visits

For those who would like to visit the local offices of their elected officials, we offer these tips:

• You need to schedule an appointment in advance.
• If the elected official is not present, ask to meet with the aide that handles health related issues.
• During your meeting, be sure to discuss the issue affects you personally, as well as your friends or family members. Always be specific, clear and courteous. Be sure to send a thank you letter as a follow up to your visit.

How can I communicate with the media to get the message out?

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is another great way to communicate about issues affecting people living with prostate cancer. Studies show that people read the letters to the editor section more than they read the editorials by journalists. In addition, letters to the editor are widely read by community leaders and lawmakers to gauge public sentiment about current issues. For those who would like to write a letter to the editor, we offer the following tips:

• Check the paper’s guidelines for writing letters. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number on your letter. Address your letter “Dear Editor”. Letters should never exceed one page, preferably less than 125 words.
• Focus on current issues. Write about an issue or legislation that is hot right now. Write in support of or against pending legislation at the local, state or federal level.

For more information contact Us TOO International at 1-800-808-7866 or e-mail us at: advocacy@ustoo.org.