As a constituent, your lawmakers and political appointees know that you are the key to their understanding of issues important to you, not to mention their political futures. They want and need to hear from you on issues you consider important.

When you need to get in touch with your lawmaker immediately, and don't have time to craft a letter or other written message, that's when it's time to use the most common and effective method of communicating with your lawmakers—make a telephone call!

Calling the television or radio talk shows in your area is a great way to help get your message to thousands of listeners. Call your local radio and television stations and ask if they have any talk shows.

By far, the most effective way to articulate your views to your elected officials and positively affect the outcome of legislation and of policy debates is to speak with lawmakers face-to-face.

You can now send letters-to-the-editor to many newspapers via email, rather than hand-writing them. Go to our online Legislative Action Center to find media outlets in your area, and send them a message. It only takes a minute.