Letters are an important, even critical, way to influence legislation. You can mail, fax or e-mail your letter. Letters to your own senator or representative are especially important. You have two state legislators (one senator and one representative). To identify your legislators, click here http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/default.aspx or call your county clerk.
Lists of members' names, offices, addresses and telephone numbers are available
During the legislative session, you can send letters directly to the Statehouse, addressed like this:
The Honorable (Full Name) or The Honorable (Full Name)
Oklahoma State Senate Oklahoma House of Representatives
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Dear Senator/Representative:
Tips for effective letters: Always use your own stationery or letterhead for your letter, and use your own words or thoughts. Form letters are not effective! A personal story about how legislation affects you or your family can be incredibly effective.
Here are a few guidelines:
Introduce yourself as a constituent (if you are one)
If you are part of a group or coalition, say so, along with how many people you represent.
Keep it to one page if possible. Short letters have the greatest impact.
Make your position clear, and say exactly what you want your legislator to do.
Tell how the legislation will affect you and others like you.
Don't worry if you're not an expert. Your personal experience is the best evidence.
Don't threaten, browbeat, or get nasty.
Refer to bills or policies by name or number (if you know them).
Ask for the legislator's view on the issue.
When a legislator does what you've asked (such as vote for a bill) send a thank you note.
A great letter includes:
Who you are
What you want done
A little bit about the issue or bill
Who supports it, if you know
What you want done, again, in slightly different words
Your name, address and telephone number
E-Mail
E-mail is received differently by individual legislators. Some prefer e-mail above all other communication; some don't read e-mail for days or not at all. It's a good idea to call your legislator's office first and simply ask "Does Senator Jones read e-mail? Would that be a good way to send information to him/her?" If you do send an e-mail, always include your FULL name and your HOME address at the end. This helps the legislator know that you are a real, live voting person in his district.
Adapted from Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, Four Practical Tools: Advocacy Toolkit
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4200 Perimeter Center, Suite 235, Oklahoma City OK 73112
Toll Free: 888.962.2772 Phone: 405.942.5001 Fax: 405.942.3740
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4200 Perimeter Center, Suite 235, Oklahoma City OK 73112