Get to know your legislator. Any contact you make will be more effective if you have a relationship based on past work or support. Letter writing campaigns may get the message across, but they aren't as effective as personal contact based on a past history of support and credibility. Personal letters and phone calls can be helpful if you follow a couple of simple rules:
Keep your letter to a single page. If you must exceed one page, make the second page an attachment which elaborates on your one-page summary. Be absolutely sure you spell the legislator's name correctly and have the right address. If you don't, you may have lost your audience.
Personalize your message. If you're writing to several legislators on the same subject, don't send copies of the same letter. Individualize them, and use your own words. Do not send form letters. Do not use mailing labels.
Be precise. Clearly identify the issue (or bill) you are writing about, and only discuss one issue or bill per letter. Give definite and concise reasons for your position. Be specific. Using a few facts and figures to support your position is more effective than just stating your opinion.
State the impacts. Explain the impact of the legislation or issue has on you and other constituents. What needs are being met, or unmet?
Be constructive. Suggest, don't demand, a course of action. Don't promise rewards or offer threats, and don't knock the opposition. Express your appreciation -- say thank you.
For the Governor:
Office of the Governor
State Capitol, Room 160
900 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301-4047
Dear Governor Kulongoski:
Message text...
For a State Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
State Senator (if to President, use President of the Senate )
[if legislature not in session]: Interim address
[if in session] State Capitol (room number)
Salem, Oregon 97301
Dear Senator (last name):
Message text...
For a State Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
State Representative (if to Speaker, use Speaker of the House )
[if legislature not in session] Interim address
[if in session] State Capitol (room number)
Salem, Oregon 97301
Dear Representative (last name):
Message text...
Government Relations will always try to help you tailor or target your message to legislators to make your contact more effective. If you would like assistance, please contact us at (541) 737-0725, Jock Mills, or (541) 737-4514, Heather Bené.
Please copy all legislative correspondence to us at the following address, or by email, above:
Government Relations
524 Kerr Administration Building
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-2126
