We need to use EVERY tool in our toolbox to change society; that includes stopping the genocide happening right now in Palestine. Hit the streets, create & support social media posts, do online petitions & emails, but we're also going to show you how to write letters to U.S. lawmakers and the President. It is generally agreed that handwritten letters by constituents are THE most effective way of influencing your representatives (other than the legalized bribery we know as "lobbying."). The following is focused on constituents of Monroe County in NYS. If you live in a different part of the country, write your letters and look up your representatives' addresses.
Tips:
1. Be firm, but polite.
It may feel good to vent, but it won’t be persuasive.
2. Make sure you have a return address.
Only to show that you are a constituent.
3. Write legibly.
Take your time. It matters.
4. Lengthy isn’t always better.
You’re not BSing on your US History exam. Don’t pad your letter.
5. A rough draft or outline doesn’t hurt.
Good writing is almost never done in one take.
Examples: (each example is cited)
EXAMPLE 1:
The people of Gaza are enduring a nightmare that defies words.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been exacerbated by the intensified blockade, relentless Israeli military airstrikes, and the near collapse of the humanitarian assistance effort for innocent civilians. 1.8 million Palestinians - 80% of the besieged population - have been displaced and over one million people are sheltering in fear at UNRWA facilities.
To prevent the further loss of lives, the highest priority must be a permanent ceasefire. As UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini shared, “Civilians – wherever they are – must be protected equally. Gaza’s civilians did not choose this war.”
I echo Lazzarini’s call that “we must make sure that the rules of international humanitarian law are respected, and civilians spared and protected. An immediate humanitarian ceasefire must be enacted to allow safe, continuous and unrestricted access to fuel, medicine, water, and food in the Gaza Strip.”
The lives of countless individuals in Gaza depend on American leadership and influence. As your constituent I urge you to take action and join the call for a permanent ceasefire and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza to prevent the further loss of civilian lives. Our shared humanity depends on it.
With hope for compassion and swift action,
-Via United Nations Relief and Works Agency
EXAMPLE 2:
I am deeply saddened by the recent outbreak of violence in Israel and Gaza. Both Hamas’ attacks and inhumane treatment of civilians and Israel’s indiscriminate and violent response have been appalling.
Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace. We have seen over and again that this cannot be achieved through repeated cycles of bloodshed. I urge you to oppose the transfer of more weapons of war, which would only intensify this already terrible conflict. Instead, please publicly call for a permanent ceasefire, de-escalation, restraint, and respect for international law to prevent further civilian harm. We must act to protect lives—those of the hostages and the roughly one million children who live in Gaza—and seek to address the underlying drivers of this conflict, including decades of institutionalized oppression and collective punishment of Palestinians through brutal military occupation and a 16-year Gaza blockade.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
-via Friends Committee on National Legislation
EXAMPLE 3
The horrific events that continue to unfold in Gaza are simply devastating.
Thousands of Israeli and Palestinian civilians have been killed, including children and the elderly, with thousands more injured. The death toll is rising by the hour with the end of the temporary ceasefire, and 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza still have no access to water, food, electricity, or medical supplies. This is a humanitarian crisis.
The longer we wait, the more perilous the situation becomes—and increased escalation and militarization will endanger the lives of millions of Israeli and Palestinian families alike.
It is past time to end the war on Palestine. We demand that you and other members of Congress call for a permanent ceasefire, immediately deploy humanitarian aid methods, and create a safe pathway for further aid and assistance to Gaza, in order to save as many lives as possible.
Thank you for hearing my concerns,
-via The Movement for Black Lives
ADDRESSES:
Congressman Joseph Morelle (Monroe County only)
3120 Federal Building
100 State Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Senator Charles Schumer (NYS only)
100 State Street, Room 3040
Rochester, NY 14614
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NYS only)
Kenneth B. Keating Federal Office Bldg
100 State St, Rm 4195
Rochester, NY 14614
President Joseph Biden
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500