The most popular way of contacting a lawmaker is through a letter. Here are some helpful suggestions:
 
1. State your purpose for writing the letter in the first paragraph. If you are contacting the Representative in regard to a specific piece of legislation, identify the bill and its number. Example: House Bill: H.R. 9898, Senate Bill: S. 123.

2. Be courteous.
 
3. Briefly share the story of your kidney patient experience.
 
4. Get straight to the point and address one issue in each letter. Also, try to keep the letter to one page.
 
Constituent concerns are important to members of Congress - and your letter lets your members of Congress know what's important to you. AAKP would appreciate a copy of any letter you send to Congress.
 
This article was originally printed in AAKP & You: How To Be Your Own Public Policy Advocate. Please click here to order or download this brochure. 

This article originally appeared in the January 2008 issue of AAKP Public Policy Briefing.