The two simplest and most common way that parents and youth can influence public officials are phone calls and letters. They are extremely important. Phone calls on issues are tallied and reported regularly to the elected official. And since it takes time to write letters, particularly personal ones, they are much more rare than you think. I have known legislators who think two letters on an issue represent a call for action. Letters are particularly effective because they create a tangible document that can be circulated and kept in the file for a long time and (for most elected officials), they require a response.

Hints for quick and effective phone calls

• Post near your phone or carry in your wallet the phone numbers of your Mayor, legislators and a few key city departments. It is amazing how little time it takes and how easy it is to phone. Not having the number readily available is often the major barrier.
  
  
• It's OK to just register your opinion. It's over in 60 seconds. You don't have to speak with the official. It is very rare to get him or her on the phone anyway. You have to answer questions; they will be no unpleasant encounters, even if you are calling to take issue with the official's actions. Public relations is the job of the people answering the phone. They will almost always be polite if you are.
  
  
• Be brief and to the point: "Hello, would you give the message to the Mayor that I strongly object to the city closing the children's library on Saturday afternoons." That's it. It's over.
  
  
• Once you are sure that you are calling the right person and the right number on a given issue, share the number with some colleagues and friends, and urge them to make a quick call. Some of your friends may want to rehearse with you what they are going to say.
  
  
• Make a Call For Kids-- Download this Handy Directory--An Important Resource for All Child Advocates
  
  
  

Hints for effective letters and petitions

• Personal letters are best, but something is better than nothing. Two sentences, a postcard, even a pre-written postcard. At the very least, your position will be noted.
  
  
• In the best of all worlds, a good letter is concise, documented by a personal experience, and legible. Don't forget to state that you would like a response, and where to response.
  
  
• Use your letter more than once. Send it to multiple legislators, adapt it to a letter to the editor, and give copies to friends who might also feel compelled to write.
  
  
• Faxes and email are even easier than mailing a letter, and work. We have heard that public officials respond best to email, and sometimes resent having their fax machines clogged up.
  
  
• CCs (carbon copies) are an art form. Even more important sometimes than the letter recipient are the people who are sent copies. If a department head knows the Mayor and the media have also gotten copies of your letter, think much more likely he or she is to act! If the Mayor knows his or her political adversaries and other parents have been informed of the letter, all the better.