Ways to Participate

• Call your representative to urge support for specific education bills.
• Write an email or letter to share your personal perspective.
• Submit a Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper to raise public awareness.
• Testify before a committee or participate in a Lobby Day at the Capitol.
• Educate your network about why technology in schools is a priority.

Virginia Legislative Contact Tools

Because districts are based on home addresses, the most important resource for your members is the "Who's My Legislator?" tool.

• Find Your Representative: Who's My Legislator? Official Tool
• Instructions for your document: "Enter your home address to find your specific State Senator and Delegate."

Calling Your Legislator’s Office

Phone calls are best for quick communication right before a vote.

1. Prepare: Have the bill number and your 30-second script ready.
2. State Your Goal: Briefly tell the staffer if you want the legislator to support or oppose the issue.
3. Follow Up: Send a quick thank-you email to the person you spoke with, reiterating your request.

Writing to Your Legislator

A personal message is far more effective than a "cookie-cutter" template.

Proper Addressing Format

• Governor: The Honorable [Full Name], Governor of [State]
• Senator: The Honorable [Last Name], [State] Senate
• Representative: The Honorable [Last Name], [State] House of Delegates

Writing a Letter to the Editor (LTE)

LTEs are a powerful way to gauge constituent views and inspire others to take action.

• Keep it Short: Aim for 150–300 words.
• Make One Point: Don't wander; stay focused on one issue.
• Proofread: Read it with "fresh eyes" or ask a friend to check it before sending.
• Include Contact Info: Newspapers will not publish anonymous letters and may call to verify your identity.

Tips for Meeting Your Legislator In Person

Talking to an elected official is a normal part of their job. If you live in their district, they want to know what you think.

Before the Meeting

• Do Your Homework: Know the basics of the legislation. Practice your "Elevator Speech" (a 1-2 minute summary of what you want and why).
• Address the Opposition: Be honest about who might oppose the bill, but professionally explain why your view is the better choice for students.
• Schedule Ahead: Call the office scheduler. If the legislator is unavailable, meet with the staff member handling education issues—they are powerful allies.

What to Bring

• Business Cards
• One-Pager: A single sheet with key bullet points and data regarding your issue.

During the Meeting

• Use Proper Protocols: Address them as Senator [Name], Representative [Name], or Mr./Madam Speaker.
• Make it Personal: Tell them you live in their district. Share a story of how technology has directly impacted your students or school.
• Provide One Key Data Point: Don’t drown them in numbers; pick one strong fact that supports your story.
• The "Ask": Don't leave without asking, "Will you support this legislation?"