TAKE ACTION
	Take action on the following issues to protect trails and hiking:
	Roadless Area Protection
	Mining Law Reform
	GENERAL ADVOCACY TIPS
	Follow these tips to communicate with your legislators about trail and hiking-related issues important to you:
	Letters, Emails, and Faxes
	Personal letters are considered the most effective and persuasive way of communicating with elected officials, but email and faxes have become much more acceptable given the security concerns associated with traditional mail. Keep in mind that emails and faxes must be personalized to be effective.
	In your letter or other correspondence:
	• Keep it short. Limit your letter to one page and one issue.
	• Identify yourself and the issue. In the first paragraph of your letter state who you are, what issue you are writing about, and what action you want your legislator to take. Let your legislator know the size and mission of your group, if applicable. Use specific bill number(s) when possible.
	• Be clear and accurate. Focus on your main points. Choose the three strongest points to support your argument and develop them clearly. Use examples to support your position.
	• Make it personal. Tell your legislator why the issue matters to you and how it affects you, your organization (or family), and your community. Keep it local. Make a connection to the legislator.
	• Be courteous, yet firm.
	• Ask for a reply. Include your name and address on both your letter and envelope or email/fax.
	• Thank the legislator. Follow-up and thank elected officials when they vote the way you want. Writing to let them know you disapprove of the way s/he voted will gain attention also.
	To write your Senator: The Honorable (full name) United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator (last name): To write your Representative: The Honorable (full name) US House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative (last name):
	Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee, it is proper to address them as: Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:
	Phone Calls
	You can reach any Congress Member by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or the Congressperson's office directly. The fact that a legislator receives 20 or so calls on your issue just before a vote can make a difference.
	If you can't reach the aide who handles trails issues, leave your message with the person who answered the phone. Be brief. Your message can be two sentences — one asking for support (or opposition); the other stating why. (You may want to write it out before you call).
	House Trails Caucus Find out if your Member of Congress is in the House Trails Caucus.