August 13, 2013

Dear Friends,

During the next few weeks, your senators and representative will be home working in their district offices. Take advantage of the Congressional recess by reaching out to your elected official to discuss issues that are important to you! 

Here are some easy and effective ways to schedule a meeting: 

Contact your senators’ and representative’s office and ask to schedule a meeting regarding issues that are important to you. Find your local representative here and your senator here. When contacting your members’ offices, remember to include your first and last name, how many people will be attending the meeting with you and what issues you will be discussing.

Do your homework! Before going to your meeting, make sure to prepare and research the topics you are going to discuss. Research your representatives’ stand on the issue and make sure to be polite and positive in order to ensure an effective and constructive meeting.

Have an ”ask.” After going through your agenda, make sure to have an “ask’” of your elected official. It can be as specific as asking your member of Congress to vote a certain way or as general as a general get-to-know-you meeting. Also, find out whether your elected official sits on a committee related to the issue you are advocating for so you can tailor your "ask" to their capability. If he/she is a member of the relevant committee, ask him/her to author legislation on the issue or hold a hearing to discuss the issue. If he/she is not a member of the committee, ask him/her to vote for/against legislation related to your issue.

Follow up! After your meeting, make sure you follow up with the office with a thank you note and request to schedule a future meeting. Show your elected officials that you are engaged in the political process and that issues on Capitol Hill affect you directly at home in your local district.

MPAC currently is working on the following issues, which we recommend that you discuss with your elected official:

• Immigration Reform 
• Middle East Peace Process 
• Humanitarian Aid to Syria 
• Bullying in Schools 
• Surveillance and Civil Liberties 

Take advantage of the Congressional recess as a chance to meet with and learn more about those who have been elected to represent you and the residents in your district. Taking these small steps is crucial to successfully advocating for the legislative issues that are important to our community and making a difference with your voice as an American Muslim.

As always, please reach out to us if you would like support as your prepare for a meeting with your elected official and/or want to learn more about our priority issues mentioned above.

For 25 years, MPAC has worked to enhance the political and civic engagement of the American Muslim community. In the coming weeks, you have a critical opportunity to be an active and engaged citizen and have your voice heard directly by your elected officials.

Take 5 minutes to schedule a meeting and an hour out of your day in the coming weeks to be an active citizen! Then, tell us about it by emailing iamchange@mpac.org.

Sincerely,

Haris Tarin 
Director of the Washington, DC Office