Related Links: VVA Legislative Coordinators / Grassroots Lobbying / Your Responsibility / Visiting Your Legislator / Writing Your Legislator

It's Your Responsibility

IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to speak up for good government. Each year, your legislators make decisions that affect your tax dollars -- and your life. It's up to you, as a citizen, to voice your opinions and influence the future of your government.
As a consumer, taxpayer, and citizen, you've got the power. You can use it effectively -- if you know how.

Be Informed. The more you know, the more influence you'll have. Study the history of issues, pros and cons, and your legislator's voting record.

Express Your Views. Your lawmakers are elected to represent your interests. They need to stay in touch with you -- or face the prospect of losing their jobs at reelection time. Likewise, you need to stay in touch with your elected officials -- or live with legislation that doesn't represent your views.

Visit Staff Members. Although congressional staff members do not vote, they are key people who can give you valuable information and advice. Treat staff members with respect -- they're the legislator's front-line advisors.

By developing a cooperative relationship with staff, you'll be a more effective lobbyist. Ideally you can become a resource for Congressional staff -- they'll respect your knowledge and opinion, and call you for advice regarding veterans issues.

Organize Opinion. In politics, strength lies in numbers. No elected official can afford to ignore the weight of public opinion. As a grassroots lobbyist, you can engineer a publicity campaign, form an organization, or join a group of people who feel as you do about an issue -- VVA's Legislative Coordinator Network is based on this principle.

Vote! Take the right to vote seriously. It's your best bet for protecting democratic freedoms, and your constitutional guarantee that your rights and opinions are taken into consideration.

Make sure you're registered to vote, especially if you've just moved. Learn the candidates' positions on the issues that are important to you.

Telephone. If you need to get a message to your legislator quickly, you can telephone your legislator's Washington, DC, or home office.

Letters To The Editor. A short, well-written letter to the editor of a local newspaper gets your point across to members of Congress and to other citizens. Letters to the editor get lots of attention because legislators always keep tabs on news from the people back home.

Tips on writing an effective letter to the editor:

Type your letter -- not more than a page.

Be concise.

Draw on personal experience to support your views.

Don't exaggerate your case.

Be firm, but not hostile. Be respectful. Your letter should reflect your sense of conviction.

Sign your name.

Invite Your Legislator To Speak. During congressional recesses, most legislators return to their home districts to find out their constituents' views on the issues. Take advantage of this opportunity to invite your legislator to one of your chapter or state council meetings. Call or write his or her district office to arrange a time.