What Difference Does Lobbying Make?
May/June 2011
In the FCNL community, people ask what can be accomplished if one person sends an email or letter or meets with a member of
Congress. Is it only those who can write big checks who get their issues addressed?
FCNL's experience is that change is possible in Washington. By stating truthfully what you believe, by listening closely to what members of Congress and staff are saying, and by remaining
open to new information, FCNL constituents are making a difference in Washington.
Article Index
Your email does reach congressional offices and can influence members. Not all emails are equal, however. What can you to do make your email stand out? Make your email personal, specific, and trustworthy.
When FCNL Field Committee Clerk Tom Ewell wanted to let his members of Congress know what he thinks, he didn’t start by looking up plane fares to Washington, DC. Instead, he made a phone call to his representative's local office.
You’ve written emails, maybe written a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, and now you’re ready to climb to the next rung on the ladder of engagement by getting in touch with someone on the staff in your representative’s office in Washington. Who should you talk to?
FCNL's experience is that change is possible in Washington. You and your friends can be a part of this change by working with FCNL and inviting others to join in this work. Without your lobbying, very little is possible: members of Congress often will not act on an issue, or modify their view over time, unless they hear from constituents.
The federal budget debate is grabbing headlines. Here are some of your letters to the editor responding to local coverage of the debate that have been published.
Aaron Scherb is a former congressional staff member who now lobbies on campaign finance reform. After two years working as an FCNL intern, he spent four years working for members of Congress. We asked him some of the common questions we get about lobbying.
Lobby trainings are being organized around the country by FCNL supporters and staff. Participants learn about how their action can best influence their members of Congress on a specific issue of concern to their community, practice their lobbying skills, and have some fun!
What should a letter to Congress contain? What are the most effective methods for writing your email to your representative or senator?
