Establishing FIRST CONTACT With Legislators at the State and Federal Level

WHO: Legislators at the State House in Boston and on Capitol Hill in Washington need to hear from us to know that this is an important issue.

WHAT: Information on gifted and talented learners being overlooked in Massachusetts and the nation.

WHEN: Now to establish first contact.

WHERE: Send a letter via U.S. Mail or fax to local legislators at the State House in Boston and a letter via Email or Fax to federal legislators to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

WHY: To provide evidence to legislators that this is an important issue for their constituents and garner their support.

HOW: Write a letter to establish first contact.

θWrite a letter on personal or professional letterhead, including your name and contact information

θBriefly state your reason for writing and its importance.

θBe specific in your request.  Express clearly and briefly what action you would like the recipient to take, such as supporting the needs of gifted and talented students as a special population of learners when considering the rights of all students in making gains.

θInclude examples or data where possible, being careful not to make any unsupportable claims.  Misinformation casts doubt on you and your views.

θOffer to answer any questions they might have.

θAsk the legislator if they are in support of meeting the needs of this population of learners. Ask them to include their name and position (for example, your request might be answered by an aide or liaison) in their reply.

θPromise to follow up with more information as initiatives continue.

θThank them for their time and consideration of this request.

θPLEASE LET MAGE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE SENT THE LETTER AND OF ANY RESPONSE YOU RECEIVE.

Sending Correspondence:

Local Legislators: Send a letter by U.S. Mail or Fax.

Visit http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm for contact information for the House of Representatives and http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenus.htm for the members of the Senate. Send your letter via U.S. Mail or by Fax.

Federal Legislators: Send a letter by Email or Fax:

Visit http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml for the House of Representatives and http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm for the Senate.