Personal, thoughtful communication can have a significant influence
on your elected representatives. The most effective emails or letters focus
on one issue. Explain the local impact of legislation related to that issue,
advocate that the elected official take a particular stance, and be courteous
in tone. Ask for a reply, and make sure you include your return address
when writing a letter. Each member has a form on their website for
sending an email. Click on the “contact” tab to email your member.

These days, emails are preferable.
Find your representative by clicking here. Find your sentaor's website here.

Face-to-face
discussion can
be very
powerful.

You can also encourage colleagues, family, neighbors, and friends to write letters, and, if appropriate in your particular context, have your students express their ideas in their own letters.

A letter to the editor of your local newspaper is another way to communicate your well-considered views to the wider community.

Consider making an appointment to talk directly with your elected representatives.

To ensure that your visit is taken seriously, make sure to call first to schedule an appointment. Arrive with a 
brief written statement outlining the importance of the issue. Be concise, since government officials must 
usually juggle many commitments. Point out the political impact of the issue. Be informed and prepared to 
answer questions. Above all, be flexible and polite, recognizing that time may be short and 
could be interrupted.After your visit, follow up with a thank you note and include additional 
data, information, or  other materials that support your position.

Elected officials are also frequently willing to visit schools. A tour of the
school, a read-aloud to young students, and a more formal talk to an
older group are all activities to which an elected official could be
invited. Make sure to organize the visit well, providing an agenda
to the official's staff and coordinating the event with them.
Find out from the press secretary whether the media is
expected to attend—and then prepare (and dress!)
accordingly. Follow up with a thank-you note and
any requested additional material about your school
and the issues you and your colleagues face.

In addition to letters to the editor, many newspapers publish opinion-editorial pieces from community members. Establish a relationship with a member of the press who covers education topics in your local media. And then find out what opportunities there are for you to get your message across.