Take Action!
The following resources have been compiled to inform and assist our partners in their policy efforts.
Get Informed...
Know Your Congressperson - Want to know who represents your community? Use these easy tools to locate your Representative or Senator, as well as their website and contact information.
*(Prepared by House Information Resources and the United States Senate)
THOMAS - THOMAS is a database operated by the Library of Congress that contains the complete text and information on all past and present federal legislation introduced in Congress since 1989.
Mini-Policy Training
- Do you understand the difference between the budget and the
appropriations process? How about the roles of Congressional
Committees? This resource provides a concise overview of the
legislative process and information about how your organization can
play a greater part in affecting its outcomes.
*(Designed for the 2009 RVCC APM by Wendy Gerlitz, Maia Enzer, and Cullen Brady)
**(Downloads a PDF)
Get Active...
Lobbying 101 - A resource providing a brief overview of the rights and regulations of lobbying activities as they pertain to non profits. Also contains additional resources about effectively establishing and declaring lobbying efforts.
*(Compiled with information from the Alliance for Justice)
**(Downloads a PDF)
Sample Op-ed - A well-written op-ed can be a very effective tool to promote your organization's issues or comment on policy developments. This resource provides a good example of the structure and content of a quality op-ed, as well as a letter to the editor.
*(Prepared by GreenMediaToolshed.org)
**(Downloads a PDF)
How to Write a Letter to Congress - Writing a letter to your Representative or Senator is among the most essential forms of participation in the democratic process. However, writing an effective letter that grabs the attention of policy makers and communicates your objectives can be a challenge. This resource provides some useful tips to get your efforts moving.
*(Prepared by Robert Longley for About.com)
RVCC Sign-on Letters - View several examples of letters to Congress composed by members of the Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition. Also view public comments and Congressional testimony delivered by members of the RVCC.
