E-mailing Your Legislator
If you send an e-mail, send it directly to each representative. Do not copy other representatives or send a mass e-mail. Make it a brief message with no special layouts or graphics. Do not include attachments. Include your full name and address. Make it clear that you are a constituent and ask for a response. You might also want to send a hard copy of your e-mail to the legislator. Always send emails from your personal (not school) email address. Use PAGE resources on this website for additional information about specific legislation.
Dear (INSERT LEGISLATOR'S NAME),
I live in your district and teach in (INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL DISTRICT). I have been serving students as an educator for (INSERT NUMBER) of years.
THEN
I support (INSERT BILL NUMBER & BRIEF DESCRIPTION) because, (BRIEFLY DESCRIBE LEGISLATION’S POSITIVE IMPACT ON STUDENTS).
OR
I am deeply concerned about (INSERT BULL NUMBER & BRIEF DESCRIPTION) because, (BRIEFLY DESCRIBE ITS NEGATIVE IMPACT ON STUDENTS).
I look forward to working with you to strengthen schools and serve the students in our community. Thank you for your service.
Sign your name
Calling Your Legislator
State your name and address and identify yourself as the legislator’s constituent. You will often be speaking with a secretary or aide. Briefly make known your position as they often keep track of the issues that people call about and report total numbers to the legislator. Have your thoughts organized in advance, which will help you to keep the call brief and to the point. It is also very helpful to share how the issue affects you personally. Thank them for their support.
Sending a Letter
Use the proper salutation:
Georgia Senator or Representative
The Honorable (first name) (last name)
Address
City, State, Zip code
Dear (Rep. / Sen.) (last name):
Georgia Governor
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp
Governor
206 Washington Street
Suite 203, State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Governor Kemp:
State School Superintendent
The Honorable Richard Woods
State School Superintendent
Georgia Department of Education
Twin Towers East
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Superintendent Woods:
Be courteous and informative in your communication.
State the purpose of the letter in the opening sentence. If you are referring to a bill, include the bill number, author, and topic. If you live in the elected official’s district, be sure to say this in the opening paragraph as well.
Personalize the letter by including examples of how the legislation might impact you and your students. Keep the letter brief – not more than one page.
Restate your request at the end of the letter, for example urging them to support or oppose the bill. Thank the legislator for his or her support and offer to address any questions that he or she might have. Be sure to include your contact information and sign the letter.