When Talking to a Public Official:

• Be Brief. A legislator must respond to literally thousands of bills, issues, and constituent concerns and, therefore, has limited time. Brevity will be appreciated.
• Know how the issue affects Veteran entrepreneurs and The Veterans Corporation. What exactly will passage or failure to pass the bill mean to Veteran and Service Disabled Veteran small business owners and their families, The Veterans Corporation, and why?
• Know precisely what you want the public official to do. Vote for or against the bill or amendments, speak on behalf of or against the bill or amendment, etc. Be sure to ask for it! Politely try to get a commitment, or at least a response.
• Be Cordial. While it is true that we pay the salaries of our public officials, it is also true that they are ordinary people with the same sensitivities and feelings as you. They appreciate being thanked for their help and their time. Never criticize, threaten, or attack and elected official because of his/her stand on an issue.
• Always report back to The Veterans Corporation. Try, to the best of your ability, to remember exactly what was said at the meeting. Write it down as soon as possible after you leave the office or end the phone call. The difference in a word or two can be the difference between an absolute commitment of support for your position or a commitment to simply try to be helpful. The Veterans Corporation needs that information to judge the level of commitment of the member.
• Always say thank you. After your visit or telephone conversation with an elected official, write a letter to thank him or her for taking the time to speak with you and to confirm any commitment you feel you received. If possible, please send a copy of your letter and the official’s response to The Veterans Corporation.

If You are Writing a Letter:

• Use E-Mail. Many Members now have web forms rather than public e-mail addresses. Visit your Member’s web site to send your message through the Internet.
• Fully state The Veterans Corporation’s position on the issue or bill, using the same facts you would use in a visit.
• Expect a response. Make clear in your letter that you expect a prompt response, e.g., “I look forward to hearing from you soon with regard to the issue, and I hope we will have your support for our position.”
• Be polite and courteous. Never threaten or challenge and elected official in any correspondence.
• Attempt to make a follow-up phone call. If at all possible, say in your letter that you will do so. Constituent correspondence is often answered by junior staff and may be vague or non-responsive. A follow-up call assures that you will speak to a knowledgeable staff person about the issue. If possible, please send a copy of your letter and the official’s response to The Veterans Corporation.

How to Address Public Officials:

President
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President
Very respectfully yours,

Vice President
The Vice President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. Vice President
Sincerely yours,

U.S. Senator
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator (surname)
Sincerely yours,

U.S. Representative
The Honorable (full name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative (surname) or
Congressman/Congresswoman (surname)
Sincerely yours,

Governor
The Governor
State Capitol
City, State Zip

Dear Governor or
Dear Governor (surname)
Respectfully yours,

State Senator
Honorable (full name)
State Capitol
City, State, Zip

Dear Senator (surname)
Very truly yours,

Member of Assembly/Delegates
Honorable (full name)
State Capitol
City, State, Zip

Dear Honorable (surname)
Very truly yours,