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GETTING YOUR MESSAGE OUT TO POLITICAL OFFICIALS
Reaching out to your local, state and national representatives is an effective way of shaping US policy on Venezuela.
The most effective way of reaching out to Congress is to have a nationally coordinated, unified message. The VIO will have information about your political official’s position and can recommend ways of successfully framing your message. Likewise, there may be times when there will be the need for constituents to focus on specific issues, or to make use of strategic opportunities. Please feel free to contact the Governmental Affairs department at the VIO should you have questions about current issues in Congress, or specific ways you can help support Venezuela.
For example, if you live or work in a key district of a member who sits on a Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee you will want your communication to reflect the current political situation, any bills that may already be on the floor and the member's voting history. The VIO's Public Education Department can also help direct you to any local campaigns or groups active in your area so that you can better synchronize your outreach plan. It is always more impactful to encourage other constituents to deliver the same message.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS:
LETTER WRITING
Click on the following links for information on Communicating with E-mail and Face-to-Face Meetings
PERSONAL LETTERS
A personal letter to your elected official shows your level of level of commitment to the issue. Personal letters have a strong impact on elected officials, particularly if you are a constituent living in his or her district. Try to write letters that are both educational and logical, and that clearly reflect your concern with or support of the issue at hand.
Keep in mind that letters to Capitol Hill go through a screening process, and can take up to two weeks to reach their destination. These days it is advisable to fax a copy of your letter with a note that states that the original is in the mail, especially if the issue you are writing about is time-sensitive.
TIPS FOR YOUR LETTER
· Be brief.
· Be succinct and to the point with your message. Address only one topic per letter.
· Be specific. If discussing legislation, for example, refer to specific bills with their reference number and explain how the vote will affect your community.
· Be understood. Type your letter.
· Be supportive: Write a thank you letter commending your representative for his or her positions that you agree with, and always acknowledge their service to your community.
· Be constructive when addressing areas for improvement or concern.
· Make sure it gets to the right office. You can find all the contact information you need at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.
· Follow-up your letters with a phone call.
Below is an example of an effective letter to Congress that promotes the social programs and achievements in Venezuela.
Sample Letter
(Your name and address here)
The Honorable (Name of Senator or Representative)
(Room Number, Office Building)
U.S. Senate/ U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 205(10-Senate), (15-House of Representatives)
Dear Senator/Representative (Last Name),
Thank you for your dedication in ensuring that US foreign policy reflects our values of democracy and justice. I am writing today to address Venezuela. I have been following the social and democratic initiatives being carried out there for some time, and I think that it sets a benchmark for regional development, and democratic participation. With the 1999 Constitution, the country’s most historically marginalized sectors have finally been given a voice. Venezuela’s efforts to decrease poverty, guarantee social, cultural and economic rights, and ensure that all Venezuelans have access to health care and education are a lesson for us all. As a teacher, and a member of the religious community in your district, I am heartened by this national movement towards justice.
I believe that there is indeed room for continued constructive and proactive dialog regarding Venezuela in the United States, and for a shift to a more benevolent foreign policy, and I thank you for your commitment to improving bilateral relations between the two countries. I urge you to act in your role in the United States Congress to recognize these innovative programs and Venezuela’s democratic spirit, and to encourage other members of Congress to do so as well.
Sincerely,
(your name here)
More information on Communicating with E-mail and Face-to-Face Meetings
NOTE: The Venezuela Information Office is dedicated to informing the American
public about contemporary Venezuela, and receives its funding from the
government of Venezuela. More information is available from the FARA office
of the Department of Justice in Washington DC.
Venezuela Information Office
733 15th Street NW, Suite 932
Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 347-8081
fax: (202) 347-8091
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