Writing to your political representative re: abortion

[blessedstar]

Dear Brothers and Sisters

I am intending to write to my political representative in respect of abortion and have the support of my Parish Priest to encourage other Parish members to do the same.

I would be very grateful if the more experienced campaigners could give me any drafts of letters they have written to their political representatives and/or any advice to the content of such letters with a view to the abolition or reduction in the time frame for when abortions take place.

Any advice and links to sites or (name removed by moderator)ut is very warmly welcome.

This is something I truly feel called to do and would appreciate any advice or guidance.

Thank you in advance for your replies

In the Living Prayer of my life

 

[1ke]

I’ve written to both state and US representative and senators.

Typically, it is about a specific bill pending before the legislature. I am very succint and specific. For example:

I am a voting constintuent and I oppose Bill X and encourage you to vote against it. I will be reviewing how my representatives voted on Bill X when it is time to consider who I will vote for in the next election.

I typically research the candidates prior to primary and general elections and try to get the one in office I believe represents my beliefs and interests.

Once they are in office, you can try to influence them on specific bills. They do take note of the phone calls and letters they receive. But, don’t expect a personal response-- you may get a form letter or a call from an aide.

I also let them know when I am displeased with how they voted on an issue. And, I’m sure to send a “thank you” follow up when they vote in the way I wanted-- it lets them know that people ARE watching what they do.

 

[RomanCrusader]

Best of luck! I am not very experienced in writing to politicians concerning the abortion holocaust, as my two senators (Ted Kennedy and John Kerry) seem to love abortion.

 

[gmarie21]

My one piece of advice, find out who the Legislative Assistants who deal with abortion issues/womens health issues are for your particular Senators and Representative. Get their names and send them letters also since they are the ones who draft legislation pertaining to the topic of abortion and the ones who tell the senator how to vote on legislation.

 

[John_AH]

Hello gmarie,
I have written a number of Pro_Life letters and e-mails to my reps (state and Gov) and I’ve gotten most of my information from a great website called “Susan B Anthony list". If you sign up they tell you about Pro and Anti Abortion legislation (to support or reject), give sample letters, and the postal and e-mail addresses of your local reps.

Site
sba-list.org/

They also have a list of all the female Pro-Life candidates.

Like you my reps leave a great much to be desired (Cal).

God’s Humble Servant
John A.H.

 

[gmarie21]

Hello gmarie,
I have written a number of Pro_Life letters and e-mails to my reps (state and Gov) and I’ve gotten most of my information from a great website called “Susan B Anthony list". If you sign up they tell you about Pro and Anti Abortion legislation (to support or reject), give sample letters, and the postal and e-mail addresses of your local reps.

Site
sba-list.org/

They also have a list of all the female Pro-Life candidates.

Like you my reps leave a great much to be desired (Cal).

God’s Humble Servant
John A.H.

I was actually referring to the behind-the-scenes people per each Senator or Representative. The Legislative Assistants (and each Senator and Representative has many) are the real people to contact so that you don’t get the general reply they send to everyone when you address the letter to the actual Senator/Representative. Also, you can ask to talk to the Legislative Assistant and actually have a conversation, not a receptionist who is doing their semester internship. I have worked for the Senate and know that this is the way to actually have your opinion really heard instead of the way most people do it.

 

[John_AH]

Gmarie,
I know what you are talking about “standard” replies and have a thought on the matter. What if you send a side note to the actual reader? Like a declaration to the reader to get them to reply to you directly. I have not personally tried this idea before but it is a thought.

God’s Humble Servant
John A. H.

 

[gmarie21]

Gmarie,
I know what you are talking about “standard” replies and have a thought on the matter. What if you send a side note to the actual reader? Like a declaration to the reader to get them to reply to you directly. I have not personally tried this idea before but it is a thought.

God’s Humble Servant
John A. H.

No, Don’t direct it to the Senator/Rep, but to the Legislative Assistant. Call the office to find out who that is. It’s definitely worth the knowledge to go around the typical ways where they’re not required to acknowledge their constituent. My senators stink, but at lerast I was able to have an exchange with a live person who ACTUALLY works one-on-one with the senator. Call Sen. Feinstein’s office in DC and ask the receptionist “may I please have the name of the Legislative Assistant who works on abortion issues or women’s issues.” Don’t hang up until you have th first and last name of that person. Then ask to speak to that person or address your letter to that person. Sen. Obama’s Legislative Assistant was at least receptive to my questions and concerns whne I called, emailed and snail mailed. I appreciate them giving me the time of day even if they don’t change their minds. To them, I’m a squeaky wheel and if enough of us squeaky wheels start bugging the behind the scenes staff that have the real power, maybe, just maybe somethings will begin to change.