Connecting With Your Elected Officials

A great place to start to find out why you should contact your officials,

tips on what to say and where to locate your officials.

Why You Should Contact Your Local Officials

• They need and want to know how you feel about issues important to you and your family
• Hearing from you, the constituent, your elected officials can better understand the needs and desires of the community he or she represents
• Get your voice heard! Let people know how you feel about issues surrounding:
-Children
-Senior Citizens
-Public Schooling
-Special Needs Services
-Taxes
-And More

Tips For Communicating With Your Elected Officials

You don't have to be an "expert" on an issue to communicate your thoughts and opinions well.

Here are some tips to get you started:

--Discuss one subject at a time (i.e. child care)

--Clearly state the purpose of the email, letter, fax

--If including facts, be accurate

--Be brief and to the point

--Identify yourself (parent, teach, community member)

--Personalize your information (I am the father of a 2 year old who has Down Syndrome)

--End your letter by saying thank-you to your elected official and add "I look forward to hearing from you soon".

Where To Connect With Your Local Officials

US President Barack Obama

Website

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Website

US Senator Barbara Boxer

Website

Email

US Senator Dianne Feinstein
Website

Email

US Representative Lynn Woolsey

Website

Email

State Senator Mark Leno

Website

State Representative Jared Huffman
Website

To find out more about specific child care legislation, visit the

Child Care Law Center.