Links to Representatives

When contacting a member of Congress, the White House or a local representative, a couple things should be remembered:

1. When phoning a representative, be polite. Most often who you will be talking to is an aide for the representative.
2. Make your point calmly, let your passion for the issue be communicated through thoughtful dialog and not rage.
3. Find out who is on the committee for the issues you are pursuing. Even if they are not your elected official, they make policy which affects you.

State legislator: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/ 

Governor Tony Evers: https://evers.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

US Representative Mark Pocan: https://pocan.house.gov/

US Senator Tammy Baldwin: https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/

US Senator Ron Johnson: https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/

President: https://www.whitehouse.gov/

Local opinions get published and read! Consider sharing your thoughts with your local paper as a letter to the editor.

Send copy to the Mount Horeb Mail at mgeiger@newspubinc.com

Tips for writing a great letter to the Editor

Five Tips for a Better Letter

1. Say Something, But Say it Quickly! Check the letter guidelines in your local paper most newspapers will not run letters that are longer than 200-250 words.  If you need more space to express your view, check to see if your newspaper takes guest opinion pieces which usually run about 700 to 800 words.
2. Stay on Subject! Be concise and to the point.  Start with a solid, short lead.  Follow with some background information, state your position, and end by suggesting what the reader can do to help.
3. Get Local! Any local angel on the subject you are writing about will increase the impact of your letter and increase its chances for publication.  It can also help to make specific references.  While some newspapers will print general commentary letters, most prefer letters that respond to a specific article.
4. Smaller is Better! The bigger the circulation of the publication to which you are submitting, the more competition you face in having your letter selected.  Small newspapers are more likely to print your letter and the letter can then spark local community action.
5. Stick With ONE Paper & Follow up! Call to make sure the paper received your letter, and then call a few days later if it has not been printed to find out if it will be printed.  Don't send copies of your letter to multiple publications at one time.  Pick your target carefully and make it an original to the publication you really want to publish it.  If you don't get confirmation within a week, then try submitting it elsewhere.

(These five tips were found on PoliticalOutreach.com.  Thank you.)