Writing to your Congressman

Process

Step 1: Finding your Congressman

  • Go to this link and search for your congressman by putting in your zip code. (If you don't know your zipcode, you can use LCA's zipcode: 24502)
  • You will be prompted to put in your address. (If you don't know your address, you can use LCA's address: 100 Mountain View Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502)
  • Write down your congressman's name. 

Step 2: Finding your Congressman's mailing address 

  • Go to this link and find your congressman's room number.
  • Take out a sheet of paper. This will be your letter. Write down the following information in the top left corner of your page:

The Honorable (insert Congressman's name)

(insert room number) House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

Step 3: Find a national issue that you care about

  • Go to this link and scroll through the list of controversial issues. Click on one that you care about. (Be sure it is an issue that is related to U.S. Government) 
  • Read the pro and con information for that issue. 
  • Repeat this process until you find a national issue that you would like to write your congressman about. 

Step 4: Begin your letter

Begin writing the body of your letter by writing at least one sentence that tells your congressman about you. 

  • Be sure to include your name, your age, your grade level, and the school you attend. 

Step 5: Ask a question

  • Write at least one sentence asking the congressman a question about the national issue you selected.
  • for example: "Representative Smith, what is your position on (insert national issue here)." 

Step 6: State your opinion

  • Write at least one sentence telling the congressman your opinion on the national issue you selected and why. 
  • for example: "I think that (insert national issue here) is a good idea because (insert reason here)."

Step 7: Encourage them to vote

  • Write at least two sentences urging your congressman to vote for or against pieces of legislation on the national issue you selected. Include your reason why.
  • for example: "Representative (insert congressman's name), I would like to encourage you to vote for bills on (insert national issue here). This (insert national issue here) is a good idea because (insert reason here)."

Step 8: Thank them for their time

  • Write at least one sentence thanking the congressman for taking the time to read your letter.
  • for example: "Thank you for your time spent reading my letter. I really appreciate it." 

Step 9: Sign your name and address

  • write:

                Sincerely, 

                 (Insert your name here)

                 (Insert your address here)