Why Lobby? Ask the Lobbyist

Tired of writing to Congress and getting form letter after form letter? What do you do if your 'representation' in Congress isn't really representative of your views at all?

You're not alone in wondering if your lobbying makes a difference. FCNL gets many emails from people around the country who are frustrated with the responses that their letters and phone calls to Congress receive. On this page we are going to be posting a few of your questions and asking for answers from our lobbyists. Take a look and see if you're asking similar questions to these folks. If not, please submit your question below. We look forward to hearing from you!

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When I write my representative, the only answers I get are form letters. Do form letters make a difference? - Anonymous, Vashon Island WA

Congressional offices get thousands of emails every week. To handle this volume of correspondence they use form letters or they wouldn't be able to respond. But by requiring the office to produce a form letter on the war in Afghanistan, cutting the Pentagon budget, or nuclear weapons, you are causing several people in that office to discuss this policy and the position taken by the member of Congress. That's progress! If the form letter doesn't answer your question, then look up the particular staff person in that office who handles the issue you are writing on (www.fcnl.org/congress) and give them a call. Alternatively, you could write a letter addressed to that specific staff person (and remember to include your email address in your letter).
- David Culp, Nuclear Disarmament

I have pretty much given up hope that Congress is going to vote to end the war in Afghanistan. Why should I keep lobbying? - Anonymous, Takoma Park MD

We rarely change policy with one vote or one bill. But the cumulative effect of the votes against the war, Congressional hearings, your lobbying and meeting with members of Congress does have an impact on policy. We know from talking to people in the White House that right now they are feeling like they have to respond to rising opposition to the wars in Afghanistan and Libya.
- Diane Randall, Executive Secretary

I have absolutely no representation with these 3 men [the only 3 representatives that I have]. - Beverly, Cottonwood AZ

I would love to talk to you some more because we usually find that FCNL can find common ground on some issue with most representativve. If you can't find common ground, or are tired of this approach, how about writing a letter to the editor? Or do a penny poll in your community?
- Jim Cason, Campaigns

I will continue to let [my representative] know my displeasure with her voting record but I know it is a waste of my time. She obviously is not interested in the will of the people. - Marcia, Kernersville NC

Clearly, you feel that there are others in your community who see things your way. How can you connect to them, make their voice bigger? Maybe a letter to the editor would help others to see that you (and they!) are not alone, and can keep the issues alive and debatable.
-Ruth Flower, Domestic Issues