THREE LETTERS A WEEK: ABC

 
A dozen parishioners listened to easy and effective suggestions for writing a letter to their legislators. Then taking three sheets of paper, they wrote three short letters to their two Senators and one Congressperson. In 40 minutes, which included getting up for snacks, three letters were written and stuffed into envelopes.
 
123, Easy as ABC.
 
Or AB: Write one letter to your State Senator and one letter to your State Representative.
 
WHY TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE?
 
Lawmakers see constituents as providing the human face of policy, and if you don’t speak up, legislators tend to think everything is ok.
 
Speaking up matters. Writing a personal letter is effective. A personally-handwritten letter matters even more, especially when you include a personal story why this issue matters to you.
 
Even if your lawmakers agree with you, they need your story. And there will be a time when they disagree with you but you’ve already established a relationship because of your previous support.
 
In the time it takes to watch a rerun of CSI, you can have three letters written and sent. A week.
 
HOW TO GET STARTED
 
Tell them who you are.
 
Share your VISION for the community, state, society. What is the sense of the purpose and goal that drives you to seek the change you are working for? What is your aspiration and inspiration?
 
In one or two sentences, briefly and clearly share the PROBLEM you are trying to address.
 
Use a VALUE statement talking about the importance of the issue you’re writing about (why does it matter?). Why is this important to you? Can you share a personal story?
 
Propose a SOLUTION: a call to action and the principles or outcomes it is designed to achieve.
 
Ask those with the power to make it happen to act (RESPONSIBILITY).
 
End on a positive note! Thank the Representative for their service to Oregon.
 
Include your name, address, and phone number.
 
“As individuals, all citizens have a duty to assist the poor through acts of charity and personal commitment. But private charity and voluntary action are not sufficient. We also carry out our moral responsibility to assist and empower the poor by working collectively through government to establish just and effective public policies." USCCB, Economic Justice for All
 
It’s as easy as ABC. Or AB.