Call on the phone, e-mail, write a letter, or request a visit to or from your current sitting Representative and Senators. This gives you the opportunity, as a voter, to voice your concerns and let your members know how their vote impacts the lives of those they want to best represent.

Voting is one of the most important ways to ensure that you do your part to put people in office whose views align with your own.

Public comments are a mechanism built into the federal, state, and local rule-making process that allows for anyone to speak about the proposed regulation. The law-making agency is looking for information that relates to the bill that they may not have known before your comment. Because it allows many voices and perspectives to be heard, public comments have the ability to speak to things such as the possible community impacts of the bill, pertinent scientific research relating to the bill, and personal experiences from those affected by the bill.

As a trainee, you have a strong story to tell about your experience. Legislators may not have heard of the LEND or UCEDD programs, and you play an important role in informing them of the transformative work happening at these Centers and the lives they touch. Use this guide to prepare for your visit, how to craft your message, and key follow-up activities.

Setting up a meeting with your members of Congress can feel overwhelming. Knowing the steps and background knowledge about your members is important. Use this guide to help you schedule your next visit to DC.