- Personalize your letter. Mention that you have been participating in a prayer vigil in your church/community. Talk about why you chose to participate.
- You may choose to draw from the talking points included here, but make the language your own. Focus on the points that are most important to you.
- Keep the letter short and sweet.
- Be constructive in your tone.
- As one of CPWI’s guiding principles states, “We will be hopeful and respectful, accentuating the transforming power of God's love while prophetically speaking truth to power.”
- Whether you’re sending a fax or email, be sure to include your name and mailing address. This lets the legislator know you’re a resident of his/her district.
- Encourage your friends to send letters as well. Another option, although not as good as having each person send their own letter, is to have a group of people sign one letter.
To find the contact information for your congressional representatives, visit
http://www.house.gov and
http://www.senate.gov.
Talking Points to Use When Writing or Visiting Congress
- End the U.S. war and occupation: The U.S. should begin an orderly process of withdrawing U.S. troops and closing U.S. bases with a timetable supported by the Iraqi people and to work toward an end to funding war.
- Support our troops:
The U.S. government should provide generous support for veterans to heal their physical, mental and spiritual wounds and to rebuild their lives.
- Support an Iraqi-led peace process: The U.S. government should make reparations and fund international reconstruction, with particular concern for refugees and internally displaced persons.
- Say NO to torture: The U.S. government must treat all enemy combatants humanely, and torture must be banned by all agencies of our government.
- Say YES to justice: The U.S. government should fully and justly fund human needs at home.