Speakers

Take the Message to Congress

For additional guidance and help in setting up a meeting, contact Anne Dietrich at info@truthinlabelingcoalition.org

COMMUNICATING WITH CONGRESS

Your Congressperson represents

YOU

…and their job depends upon it!

 

The Right2Know March is based upon the premise our nation was founded:

The right to communicate with our elected officials

~

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT!

1.       Make an appointment

Identify your Congressperson.  https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtmlLook

Google your Congress person to find his/her website.

Locate your Congressperson’s Washington, DC Office phone number on the home page

Follow the same process for your Senator:  http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm (Your Senator’s phone number will be listed)

At least two weeks in advance, call your Representative’s office.  Give your name and home town so you will be recognized as a constituent.

Explain that you will be in Washington D.C. and would like to meet with the Congressperson to discuss mandatory labeling laws for genetically engineered food.  Be prepared to meet with someone from the Member’s staff if the Congressperson is unavailable. Remember to find out the location of your Representative’s office and ask for directions, if necessary.

2.      Be Prompt and Patient

When it is time to meet with your Representative, be punctual and be patient.  It is not uncommon for a Senator or Congressperson to be late, or to have a meeting interrupted due to a crowded schedule.  If interruptions do occur, be flexible. 

3.      Be Prepared

Share with your Representative the reasons why support the Right2Know March.  If you feel it is a basic human rights issue to know what is in your food, then say so!

Whenever possible, bring to the meeting information and materials supporting your right to know.  Members of Congress are required to take positions on many different issues.  In some instances, Members may lack important details about the pros and cons of a particular matter.  It is therefore helpful to share information and examples that demonstrate clearly the impact of benefits associated with knowing what is in our food.  Good examples are the publications:  Your Right to Know:  Genetic Engineering and the Secret Changes in Your Food by Andrew Kimbrell; Genetic Roulette:  The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods by Jeffrey Smith; The Organic and Non-GMO Report; and Reproductive Toxicology: Maternal and fetal exposure to pesticides associated to genetically modified foods in Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.  Contact the Truth in Labeling Coalition for copies of these and other helpful materials: info@truthinlabelingcoalition.org

4.      Be Political

Members of Congress want to represent the best interests of their district or state.  Whenever possible, demonstrate the connection between your right to know and the interests of your Representative’s constituency.  Keep in mind that the freedom to choose is a core American value.  If possible, describe for your Representative how you or your group can be of assistance.  When it is appropriate, remember to ask for a commitment.

5.       Be Responsive

Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional information in the event your Representative expresses interest or asks questions.  Follow up the meeting with a thank-you email that outlines the different points covered during the meeting and follow up with any additional information and materials requested.

6.      Keep in Touch

 Stay in touch with the people you meet with, and keep them informed by phone and email with regular progress reports.  Provide details on the Citizen Petition, state Ballot Initiatives, new research on genetically engineered crops and foods, and the latest press.

For additional guidance and help in setting up a meeting, contact Anne Dietrich at info@truthinlabelingcoalition.org