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Find Your Representative

Our elected officials – whether they’re on Capitol Hill or in your local city hall – make a lot of important choices that have a huge impact on the treatment of and research into sickle cell disease. Play an active role in these decisions by contacting your representatives!

It is important for our elected officials to hear from their constituents and others who have expertise on an issue. Meeting with and calling your legislators and his or her staff members to let them know that you and your organization have knowledge and experience with a subject can be extremely helpful. Let them know that you can be a resource to them, and let your voice be heard!

Find Your Representatives

Before Contacting Your Representative

Make sure to review our FY 24 legislative priorities and familiarize yourself with the pending legislation. You’ll want to advocate specifically for the passage of these bills, so make sure to keep this information bookmarked!

How to Connect with Your Representative

Write a Letter

This is a great way to introduce yourself to your representative and share your story. Be clear, concise and personal. Here are some tips for writing a a great letter:

  • Address the representative with the correct salutation (Dear Senator name, or Dear Representative name, or Dear Governor name).
  • Reference the bill you are advocating for by its name and by the House or Senate file number and clearly describe the issue.
  • Be concise when stating the issue and let your elected official know how you want them to vote in your first sentence.
  • Be specific, and if relevant, provide an example of how the issue affects your district.
  • Know your facts. Do not provide inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Be cordial when asking for the legislator’s support or opposition.
  • Thank the legislator for their and attention to your letter.
  • Follow-up your letter with a phone call.

Write a Letter

This is a great way to introduce yourself to your representative and share your story. Be clear, concise and personal. Here are some tips for writing a a great letter:

  • Address the representative with the correct salutation (Dear Senator name, or Dear Representative name, or Dear Governor name).
  • Reference the bill you are advocating for by its name and by the House or Senate file number and clearly describe the issue.
  • Be concise when stating the issue and let your elected official know how you want them to vote in your first sentence.
  • Be specific, and if relevant, provide an example of how the issue affects your district.
  • Know your facts. Do not provide inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Be cordial when asking for the legislator’s support or opposition.
  • Thank the legislator for their and attention to your letter.
  • Follow-up your letter with a phone call.

Phone Call

Your representative will also take phone calls from constituents. The phone lines are usually busy, so be prepared to leave a voicemail. If you do get through, you will speak with a staff member who will note your position for your representative to consider. Here are some tips for calling:

  • Know what you will say. It might be helpful to write a script that you can read while on the phone. Use the letter-writing tips above to help you draft your statement!
  • Be polite and address your representative properly.
  • Reference the bill you are calling about by name and explain why and how it impacts you.
  • If you are calling to follow up on a letter, share the details about when and how you sent the letter and briefly summarize your point.
  • Make sure to say thank you!

Meeting with Your Representative

In some cases, such as during an Advocacy Day event, you may have an opportunity to have a meeting with your representative. You’ll likely meet with his or her staff members, who will listen to your position and share the information with your representative. Here are some tips for meeting with your representative:

  • Dress professionally, even if you are on a Zoom call.
  • If this is a virtual meeting, make sure to take the call in private and ensure that your sound/video works before joining.
  • Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode for the duration of the meeting.
  • Use the tips for making a phone call to help you prepare what you want to say in the meeting.
  • Be polite and thank the staff for their time.

Helpful Links and Resources