📍 Find Your Legislators & Their Contact Information

Before reaching out, you need to know who represents you at the federal and state levels.

 Find your federal representatives:

• U.S. House of Representatives: www.house.gov
• U.S. Senate: www.senate.gov

Find your Michigan legislators:

• State House & Senate: www.michigan.gov/sos

Enter your address to see your elected officials, their office phone numbers, and email addresses.

📞 How to Call Your Legislator

Step 1: Prepare Your Talking Points

Be clear and concise about the issue you’re calling about. If there’s a bill number, mention it early in your call.

Step 2: Make the Call

Dial the office number (you may speak to a staff member instead of the legislator directly).

Example Script:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [social worker / student / advocate] from [City or ZIP Code]. I’m calling to urge [Legislator’s Name] to support [Bill Name/Number] because [brief reason—how it impacts your work, clients, or community].”

Tips:
✔️ Keep your message short and respectful—staffers take notes to share with the legislator.
✔️ Share a personal connection (how this issue affects your clients, workplace, or profession).
✔️ Ask for a specific action—support, oppose, or amend a bill.
✔️ Thank them for their time!

📧 How to Email Your Legislator

Step 1: Keep It Structured & Direct

Legislators receive hundreds of emails daily. A clear, well-structured email increases the chances of getting attention.

Basic Email Template:

Subject: Support/Oppose [Bill Name/Number] – Social Work Advocacy

Dear [Legislator’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [social worker/student/advocate] from [City, ZIP Code]. I am writing to ask you to [support/oppose] [Bill Name/Number] because [brief reason—how this bill impacts social work, mental health, or your community].

[Optional: Share a brief personal story or client impact example.]

As a social worker, I see firsthand how this issue affects [clients, families, mental health services, etc.]. Supporting [Bill Name] would [explain intended impact]. I urge you to take action to [support/oppose/amend] this legislation.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Organization (if applicable)]

Tips:
✔️ Keep it brief (3-5 paragraphs max).
✔️ Personalize your message—legislators are more likely to engage with real stories.
✔️ Be clear about what you want them to do (vote yes/no, co-sponsor, amend).

📢 Next Steps: Stay Engaged!

Calling or emailing once is great, but ongoing advocacy makes the biggest impact! Here’s how to stay involved:

✔️ Follow up – If you don’t hear back, send a polite follow-up email or call again.
✔️ Sign up for action alerts – Follow NASW-Michigan on social media and check out our Legislative & Social Policy Committee to get updates and advocacy opportunities.
✔️ Spread the word – Encourage colleagues, clients, and community members to take action.

Stay informed & take action today! Visit www.nasw-michigan.org for policy updates and advocacy resources.