Article from "The Hill" Constituent Communication

Released Tuesday Oct. 4, 2011, “Communicating With Congress: How Citizen Advocacy is Changing Mail Operations on Capitol Hill” finds that most congressional offices have seen a 200 to 1,000 percent increase in constituent communication volume in the past decade.

Of the 260 report respondents, 95 percent of those on the Senate staff and 89 percent of those on the House staff said that responding to constituent communications was a high priority in their offices. More than half of staffers surveyed also reported spending more time on such communications than they did two years ago.

But staffers in offices embracing technology early on were much more likely to report that they had sufficient resources to manage constituent communications than those offices that were considered late adopters of technology.

One significant factor in technology helping to tackle the load is offices responding to constituent letters via email rather than a reply letter, said Fitch. Those that don’t are operating at a disadvantage.

“In many cases, they’re seeming to apply the 20th-century paradigm of responding to a letter with a letter,” he said. “And that means, ‘OK, let's work weekends and let's work nights,’ and that’s their solution, as opposed to, ‘Wait a minute, this is an entirely new paradigm.’ ”

Additional ways to tackle increased communication include identifying efficiencies and streamlining processes, said Fitch. Offices are also encouraged to create robust websites with greater issue content information, which will reduce the need for constituents to contact lawmakers.

Michael Pagan, communications director for Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), has seen first-hand the benefit of technology in his office. “Yes, our office has definitely seen an increase in constituent communications over the past several years and we do indeed take advantage of technology as much as possible, especially email and social networking sites, to deal with the increase,” he wrote in an email.

While congressional offices continue to labor under restricted staff sizes — looking to technology to fill the gap — the increase in constituent communications could be viewed as a good thing, said Fitch.

“There’s a positive general note in here, in that more people are contacting Congress at a time when cynicism is rising and certainly their approval ratings are going lower,” he said. “They still are the go-to guys, they still are the people that citizens want to interact with and want to communicate with.”...The Hill

To read the entire article go to http://thehill.com/homenews/house/185197-constituent-communications-up-nearly-1000-percent-congress-turns-to-technology

Saluting The Silent Patriots

We at National Write Your Congressman were proud to be a part of showing our gratitude to all the silent patriots in Washington.  Below is the thank you we participated in on Sept. 12, 2011 in the Roll Call.

"A Tribute To Congressonal Staff"

They toil under the dome.  Young, idealistic and dedicated to their bosses, their district, their state, their country.  They answer the mail, creat the schedules, tally the votes, write the press releases and manage the offices.  They are "staffers".

A decade ago their dedication to public service put them in harm's way.  Despite the continued threat, the grueling hours, the countless callers, the minimal pay...they serve our Congress and America.

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Congressional Management Foundation and our supporters recognize and honor the sacrifice and contribution of all silent patriots who serve under the dome.

We thank the staff of the United States Congress.

Ronald Reagan Quotes

"Socialism only works in two places:  Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it."

"Here's my strategy on the Cold War:  We win, they lose."

"The most terrifying words in the English language are:  I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

"I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress."

"Government's view of the economy can be summed up in a few short phrases.  If it moves, tax it.  If it keeps moving, regulate it.  And if it stops moving, subsidize it."

"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenal in the world is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."

"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession.  I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."

"Politics is not a bad profession.  If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book."

-President Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States of America.

Hawaii Becomes 50th State

Congress did not see the importance of the Annexation of Hawaii until 1898 when the island was seen as strategic to the defense of the Main Land during the Spanish-American War.  Again the location proved it's value during World War II.

On August 21, 1959 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Hawaii into the Union as the 50th state.  The president also issued an order for an American flag featuring 50 stars arranged in staggered rows, five six-star rows and four five-star rows.  The new flag became official July 4, 1960.

"The House of Representatives, as our Framers wrote in the United States Constitution, was to be just that - a House that represents the voices, wishes, and heartfelt concerns of the people we represent each day.  I always am appreciative of the opinions I receive from the people, for without their comments I could not do my job successfully.

As a free nation, we are allowed to believe and speak freely, and as such, we have differing opinions on a plethora of issues.  It is the synthesis and evaluation of all of our differing opinions, or constituent correspondence, which gives me the ability to legislate effectively.  I whole-heartedly support the American people telling their representatives what they believe.

Once again, thank you (National Write Your Congressman) for this opportunity to address the importance of constituent correspondence.  Our goal is to reach a wider number of people, and get the American public more involve with their government.  -Congressman Allen B. West, Florida

Thank You National Write Your Congressman

"The mission of your organization to help light the way for responsible Americans to effectively communicate with their legislators is a great importance.

Constituent correspondence is one of the most important aspects of a congressional office.  My website is specifically designed with clear and direct links to encourage my constituents to share their opinions with me.  I was elected to represent the people of the First District of South Carolina and therefore truly value my constituents' concerns and opinions.  I believe that to effectively represent the best interests of my constituents, I must maintain open and responsive lines of communication." -Congressman Tim Scott, 1st District, South Carolina

Letter to National Write Your Congressman

"I want to thank the National Write Your Congressman organization for working to keep Americans informed and involved in the democratic process.  Your organization's bipartisan effort should be commended.

I have always encouraged all West Virginians to reach out to me as often as possible.  I strongly believe in the philosophy of retail government - providing the best possible service to my constituents and being available to hear their ideas, priorities and concerns." -Senator Joe Manchin, III, West Virginia

National Write Your Congressman

"My top priority is to represent Indiana's 9th District well and to back legislation that will put people back to work across the country.  Cutting federal spending will help create jobs and grow the economy in the short and long term.  The more the government borrows, spends and regulates the harder it is for businesses to access capital, grow, and create jobs.  Our federal government is getting too large and is spending at unsustainable levels.  We must get the economic engine of our country up and running again.  I will continue to embrace opportunities to trim the federal budget while simultaneously making government more efficient, effective and responsive to the American people.  Your imput and involvement in the legislative process to notify me of the issues that are most important to you help me make the most equitable decisions for the greatest number of my constituents possible." -Congressman Todd Young, Indiana