political strategies


Local Resolutions
Local resolutions represent grassroots democracy at its finest. They give ordinary citizens the opportunity to address pressing international issues right in their own community, and in the process increase awareness about things that may seem far away. They're a concrete expression of the old bumper sticker: "Think Global-Act Local." Getting your Town Council to pass a resolution in favor of a policy you support-or against a policy you are fighting-is an excellent way to raise the profile of your campaign.
A Guide for How to Pass a Local Resolution

Lobbying legislators
Lobbying your legislators is about persuading them to do what you want. There are five main categories of legislators to think about, each requiring its own special strategy. See the following guide for detailed information on how to target your legislators.
Lobbying Basics 

Political Action Letters
Writing letters is an important tool in our democracy, and—believe it or not—it works!

  • Present yourself as a moderate—extremists quickly lose their credibility.
  • Keep it brief and to the point. One page letters are best.
  • Read the Access Fund's position statements and Action Alerts for background, but write the letter in your own words.
  • Letters are most effective, calls are second best, emails are almost ignored and form letters (and emails) are tossed almost immediately.
  • Mention the Access Fund in your letter-associations lend credibility. Just like any form of marketing, the more times we are mentioned, the more likely the target will listen to you (and us) during future communications.
  • State the importance of the issue to you, your family and friends, and ask your representative to let you know what action(s) they have taken on your behalf. Make sure they know you are a voting constituent.
  • Attach more significance to your letter by having it delivered by priority mail, or by registered or certified mail, which require the signature of the recipient and provide a record of receipt. This can cost up to $3 per letter, but is most effective in generating a prompt response.

Here are some letter writing resources to get you started:

Generic Letter Format
Letter regarding The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
Letter to a Land Manager
Letter to a Legislator
Letter regarding a Closure
Look up your National Legislators