www.house.gov
www.senate.gov

· All Senators and Representatives have multiple “district” offices
· Call the “main” office (NOT the one closest to where you live, but the one in the biggest town in your district or state)
· Ask to speak to the District Director
· Tell the District Director who you are and that you are calling to request a meeting with the Congressman/Senator
· In many cases they will want you to meet with staff. This is fine, but insist on meeting with the District Director
· They may ask for a request for the meeting in writing.
· A sample letter to request the meeting is attached
· Talking points for the meeting are also attached

·Use this sample letter for you to deliver at your meeting.
· Or, send this letter if you are unsuccessful in getting a meeting with the Member or staff
· This letter explains what you are asking the Congressman/Senator to do (and this is in the talking points as well)
· This letter explains what you are asking the Congressman/Senator to do (and this is in the Talking Points as well)
· There are several critical points in time in the Congressional funding cycle. We may ask you to write at these different times with a slightly different message depending on the status of the legislation. Check our website for updates and new sample letters.

· Members of Congress and their staff pay attention to volume
· If they get multiple letters on this issue, they will pay attention
· They can use the same sample letter

· Call the staff you meet with back every 2 weeks or so to ask for an update on your request.
· Staff will pay attention to a squeaky wheel

· To raise awareness for Rett Syndrome, consider writing a letter to the editor of your local paper
· Make sure you mention your local Congressman or Senator’s name and our request in your letter