About ASHA's Grassroots Program
There are a variety of ways in which ASHA members can advocate for the professions and individuals with communication disorders at the grassroots level. These activities are rewarding, effective, educational, and do not require a major time commitment on your part! Visiting and writing your elected representatives on a regular basis is the best way to keep them informed about the issues that are important to you.
Invite Your legislators to your work settings. Members of Congress will see firsthand what is happening in their districts and states and how the services you provide help improve the quality of life of their constituents.
Visit Your legislators in their local offices or on Capitol Hill. If you are planning a visit with your legislators, the Government Relations staff will provide you with a verbal briefing and materials. For more information, return the enclosed coupon, or email grassroots@asha.org.
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Visit Your Legislators
If you are planning to visit your legislators at home or in Washington, or choose to write a letter on an issue of importance to you or in response to an Action Alert, ASHA has some basic tips to assist you.
The most important thing to remember is that you are the constituent and the expert.
Local or Capitol Hill Visits
- Bring business cards and any interesting/relevant materials with you.
- Identify yourself.
- Identify your subject.
- Focus on one or two points.
- State your position clearly and concisely.
- Express your views reasonably. Do not argue.
- Keep your visit to 15 minutes or less.
- Thank the member or staff for their time/consideration of your position.
- If you have met with helpful staff, let your legislator know.
- Follow up with a thank you letter and request to be kept informed about the issue.
Specific to Capitol Hill Visits
Ask the guards for help with finding your way. They are an excellent resource. To walk from building to building without going outside, go to the basement level of the building you are in and ask a guard to direct you through the appropriate corridor. Cafeterias are located in the basements of the Longworth and Rayburn House and Dirksen Senate Office Buildings, but are restricted to staff during the following times: Longworth – 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; Rayburn – 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.; Dirksen – 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
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Letter Writing
Addressing Correspondence
House of Representatives
The Honorable (full name)
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative (last name):
Senate
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator (last name):
Writing the Letter
- Use plain paper or personal stationery.
- If the letter is handwritten, please write legibly.
- Stick to one subject.
- State your position and give examples to back it up.
- Keep it short, courteous, and to the point.
- Ask for a reply.
- Include your name, address, and telephone number.
- If you have met your legislator or a member of the staff, you can mention that.
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Phone Calls
You can call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, and ask the operator to connect you to your legislator's office. This number is for both the House and Senate.
E-mail
Most Congressional offices have been flooded with e-mails as access to technology has expanded. The best way to communicate with your legislator continues to be a well-thought out personal letter or a phone call.
Facsimile
Faxing is not recommended unless congressional staff specifically request that you fax materials.
If you have any questions about grassroots activities, please contact ASHA's Director of Grassroots Advocacy by e-mail at grassroots@asha.org. The ASHA staff is committed to assisting you with your advocacy efforts.
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