Contact Your Members of Congress
If possible, boost your impact by taking just a few minutes to make your email more personal with these tips and suggestions. Learn about your representatives and find out how to check their voting records here. As a reminder, public employees should not use their work emails or phone numbers to take political action. Even from private accounts, you may need to make clear that you are speaking as a private citizen and not on behalf of your employer.
Welcome New and Re-Elected Members of Congress to Office
Dear <Representative/Senator + Last Name>:
As a constituent living in [Insert City/Town], I am writing to congratulate you on your successful election to the 119th Congress. I know that you will face tough decisions in the months ahead. That’s why I want you to know that I believe investments in higher education including the arts and sciences are extremely important.
A well-rounded arts and sciences education develops both inventive employees and thoughtful citizens. College graduates also benefit the economy locally and nationally. For each additional college graduate, the annual GDP of [Insert State] will increase by approximately [Insert Data from National College Attainment Network]. Studies have also shown that liberal arts and sciences degrees increase tolerance, civic engagement, and strength of democracies.
This upcoming Congress, I hope that you will make higher education, the nation’s cultural endowments, and scientific research a priority:
- Fund the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities at $209 million each for FY 2025.
- Uplift millions of students throughout the country by doubling federal Pell Grants.
- Support science research at the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health that contribute significantly to the nation’s human and economic growth.
- Join the [If Senator: Senate Cultural Caucus by contacting Molly Ryan (Collins, 202-224-2523) and Moira Lenehan (Reed, 202-224-2251)/If House of Reps: Congressional Humanities Caucus by contacting Steven Dyke (Carey, 202-225-2015) and Mitchell Moonier (Titus, 202-225-5965)]
I hope that you will make investments in higher education including the arts and sciences a priority in this Congress. Again, congratulations on your election and please add me to your newsletter list to keep me informed about your activities.
Sincerely yours,
[Insert Name
Address
City, Town, Zip]
Tips and Suggestions to Make Your Call More Personal
- Keep your message as short, simple, and specific as possible. If you can, reference pending legislation in your state or specific budget line items.
- Personalize your message with state-specific data using these tools:
o National College Attainment Network – State Economic Value of College Profiles
o National Endowment for the Arts State Profiles
o National Endowment for the Humanities State & Jurisdiction Impact
o State Higher Education Funding
o National Science Foundation by the Numbers - Tell a brief personal anecdote when possible to tie your message back home for your legislator.
- Ask for a response by indicating you would appreciate a reply on the issue.
- Follow up when appropriate by thanking your legislator when you agree with their votes or informing them when you disagree.
