Background
Passing legislation is an uphill battle. It is not a linear process. It may take an average of 5-10
years to advance a bill to law. We have been working on Social Work Safety legislation at the
federal level for nearly 10 years (S 1176 and HR 2663 in the current 118 th Congress). You must
get to know your elected officials and understand the legislative process and influences.
Things to consider:
Many groups compete for a legislator’s attention along a broad range of issues.
At the state level 1-2,000 bills are introduced during a session, and, at the congressional
level close to 7,000 bills are introduced in a two-year session.
The process is intentionally slow and deliberative.
At the state level approximately 15-20% of bills are processed to become law, and at the
federal level, about 4% pass.
Engagement
It is important that lawmakers hear from constituents early on, such as prior to each session.
You can introduce yourself, note that you are in the lawmaker’s district, and the priorities of
your organization (i.e., AVASW). You may also get to know their staff. Staff contacts may be
just as valuable as contact with the legislator.
You can make your organizations’ expertise available to the legislative leaders and be prepared
to work with them to draft legislation, providing feedback on legislation, amendments, or
compromise legislation, as necessary. Some years ago, AVASW testified at the federal level and
offered this year to testify, if needed, on the Multiorganization Statement for the Record on the
utilization of care in the community, prevention of veteran’s suicide and other veterans related
bills. The interaction you have with a congressperson allows you to cultivate a relationship that
will continue from one issue to another including opposition to legislation.
Key ways to have influence with legislators:
1. Calling your member of Congress
2. Writing a letter to your Member of Congress
3. Meeting with a Member of Congress
Calling your member of Congress
Phone calls are a quick and effective way to let a member of Congress know how you feel about
an issue. When a legislator gets a number of phone calls from constituents on an issue, they
begin to pay more attention to that piece of legislation.
How to make a phone call:
Let the legislators know that you are a constituent and member of AVASW or other
organization.
State your position on the issue or piece of legislation and ask if they will support the
bill. Give them the bill number (i.e., HR 200 or S.200) and the name of the bill (PACT Act).
Leave your address and telephone number so that you can receive a response from your
member of Congress.
Writing a Letter to your Member of Congress
How to make your letter effective:
A personal letter to a member of Congress is a powerful tool. It is especially valuable if you can
include a case example that details a more personal approach and effect of the proposed
legislation. Some organizations provide a pre-written letter that you can modify and mail or
email to your members of Congress.
Effective letters are short and concise (limit letter to one or two pages)
Make sure that you have the correct address for the Congressperson and use the appropriate
title and salutation.
Always run a spell check on your letter after completing the draft.