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Did you know that city council members and congresspersons often hear from only a few residents on most issues? Taking a few minutes to send an email on important policies can actually make a big impact! And you don’t have to be an expert to weigh in.
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Introduction
Some people think their voice doesn’t matter, but that’s actually not true—it makes a difference! Your city council, congressperson, and your state representative are all elected and their job is to represent your concerns and interests. However, they often only receive a few letters on any particular issue. So when they receive letters, they actually pay attention. City council members and even your congressperson (or their staff) take time to read every email or letter sent and consider your input in their decisions. Your congressperson can likely tell you how many letters are received on an issue and what the main messages were. Now with email links for most elected officials, it is so easy to make your voice heard!
Although we are often frustrated by gridlocked decision making at the national level, at the local level it is quite a different story. In fact, some of the most forward moving policies on sustainability and climate change are happening at the local level. Writing a letter or attending a local city council meeting to speak is one of the best ways to support important policies to protect our future and make your voice heard. And you don’t need to be an expert to weigh in. So consider taking a few minutes to have your say!
1Find the contact info and upcoming meetings
Decide who to write to. The first step is to decide who you would like to write to and find their contact information. Some options include your city council, mayor, state representatives, senators, and congresspersons. Check the website of the official you want to write to for their email or mailing address if you prefer to mail a letter. Most elected officials have an easy to find link on their website for either submitting a letter online or emailing.
Options to meet in person. Local electeds like city council members, the mayor, and state representatives are generally more accessible and willing to meet in person to hear your input. They often have regular “open house” or “office hour” meetings designed specifically for constituent input. Senators and congresspersons are often less available for in-person meetings unless you are with a group. However, they do occasionally have town hall meetings where you can attend and hear from them as well as submit questions.
Find upcoming meetings. Also, consider checking out your city’s website to find information on upcoming meetings. See if there is a topic at an upcoming meeting that is important to you and consider attending. You can also find information there on recent city council meetings, including notes and policies passed. You can also watch the local newspaper or check with local community organizations who follow sustainability policies for updates.
Extra Credit - keep up on policies. Consider following some of the important climate and sustainability policies and providing input as they are being discussed and developed. Once you get connected and find the information, it doesn’t take too much time to write an email once in a while in support of an important policy. This takes a bit of extra time but can be very effective, particularly on local level policies.
2Write and send your letter
The good news is you don’t have to be an expert to write a letter. The most important thing is to express clearly what is important to you and what you would like your decision makers to prioritize in their policies. Although writing about a specific policy that is pending is a great approach, it is not required. You can write a general letter as well. Either way, your input will be heard and considered.
Share what's important to you. You can include in the letter anything you feel is important. For example, you can talk about your family, maybe your children or grandchildren, and the importance of protecting their future. Another idea is to write about the health benefits or many jobs that good climate policies will create. Many elected officials actually would like to take more bold action on climate and sustainability policies but are not sure they have the public’s support. Help them out and let them know that you stand with them and appreciate their efforts. Also, don’t forget to say thank you when they pass a good policy!
Sign your letter. Make sure to sign the letter including your name and your address so they know that you live in their city or district. Letters from constituents have more weight! If you don’t want to include your full address, you can sign it Resident of (your city name). Don’t be surprised if they reply! They will often reply and thank you for your input.
3Consider speaking at a city council meeting
Ready to do even more? Consider providing comments at a city council meeting! Every city council meeting has time for general public comments and public comments on each topic up for discussion. Speaking at a council meeting can have even more impact than sending a letter. If you are not sure about the process, just arrive a bit early and ask one of the staff for instructions. Generally, you will be asked to fill out a card with your information and the issue you would like to speak on. They will call your name and let you know when it is time for you to speak. Many folks are nervous about public speaking, but remember, you are doing this for the benefit of our future. You have something important to say!
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