The goals of the BLET and the information used to reach these goals MUST be communicated to many arenas. The membership has to be informed in each Division meeting either by a written or oral report. Members are voters. They have the right to know the issues that are of concern to our organization.
Letters to elected officials have a large impact on their decision-making process. They represent you, so you need to tell them just what you think about issues that affect your job. Legislators will listen to you. All of them -- local, state and national representatives -- will listen and want to hear from their constituents.
Telephone and email communications also have an impact. After a relationship has been established with a representative, phone calls to their legislative aide should be made on a regular basis. This helps build a relationship and keeps all parties informed. Always remember to be courteous, polite, and as brief as possible.
Writing to Congress
On occasion every citizen wants to write to Congress. It is your right, and your representatives in Congress do expect to hear from their constituents. In fact, they are often guided by communications they receive. Don't forget -- they are there to represent the people; it is their duty to represent the majority in Congress, to listen to the minority, and to protect the rights of all.
A few points to remember:
- Write your own letter, email or card. Don't just sign a mimeographed form. Representatives and Senators get a lot of mail and it is obvious when form letters arrive.
- If you think enough of an issue to write them, be considerate enough of their attention and judgment to put your opinion in your own words.
- They will pay much more attention to what you think rather than to what you might sign as a printed form.
Every man or woman in Congress -- both Representatives and Senators -- is very cognizant of public opinion. Give them the courtesy of writing your own opinion. It means much more.
"Why Should I Write?"
- Because letter writing is one of the most effective and persuasive forms of lobbying and you, the voter, are taking time to express your viewpoint. Legislators respond much better to workers' concerns when they know that you are concerned and informed about their voting records. The best way to let them know YOU care is by writing.
- Because legislators are making decisions every day which affect our union members and their families -- decisions on inflation, taxes, energy, education, transportation, fair wages, consumer and environmental protection. One of the best ways to convey YOUR interest on these issues is by writing.
- Because legislators are hearing from the Chamber of Commerce, the railroad carriers, utility companies, bankers, real estate and insurance brokers, as well as other interest groups who don't always have YOUR best interest in mind. The best way to defend ourselves against this kind of lobbying is by writing.