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- SHAPING LAW THROUGH CITIZEN ACTION
The Save America's Forests coalition was established with the primary purpose of passing strong, nation¬wide forest ecosystem protection laws in the u.s. Con¬gress. Only when the citizens of our nation take an active role in the political and legislative process will our forests be saved from plunder.
As a voting American citizen, you have the power to influence the political process of the United States Con¬gress. If you want a particular law passed you must show your member of Congress that you are paying attention to what they do and say, and that you want him or her to take a particular action. When many voters with a common desire follow the actions of their Congressperson, they form a powerful political block which can often decide the outcome of an election. If the group works in a coordinated fashion, it can exercise considerable leverage over the Congressperson's actions. This is grassroots politics!
Because many members of Congress will make their decision on an issue based on what they feel is right, it is not always necessary to have a large group working with you. For example, an individual member of Save America's Forests wrote to his Congressman, asking him to cospon¬sor H.R. 1969. The Congressman had never heard from anyone on this issue, but quickly decided to sign on to the bill as the result of this one voter because he agreed in principle. While it's usually not this easy to secure a cosponsorship, writing a letter is the best way to get started.
Now more than ever, your activism will be valuable and effective. Congress is deciding the fate of our forests, and you are part of a huge movement of concerned citizens who are ready and willing to demand that our forests be protected. Your activism combined with that of people across the country really will make a difference.
Here's what you need to do:
-Write to your Representative and Senators urging them to take action, and to keep you informed of their decision.
-Ask your Congress people to support the Save America's Forests Comprehensive Platform -Ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 1969, the Forest Biodiversity and Clearcut¬ting Prohibition Act. Ask your Senators to introduce a companion bill to H.R.1969.
-Educate yourself, and the people around you.
Write to Your Congressperson at:
The Honorable _ U.S House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable, _ U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510
Call Your Congressperson at: Capitol Switchboard: (202) 225-3121
Call for a Free Copy of any Bill: House Document Room: (202) 225-3456
Or write: Senate Document Room, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510
Call your Post Office to find out who your Congresspersons are.
The Letter
When you write a personal letter to your Members of Congress, explain why the present situation is unacceptable, and ask them to stop the destruction of our public lands. Urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 1969 and any of the excellent bills that will help bring about the conversion of the present system (See Information Sheet: Solutions). Be sure to ask for a clear statement of their position on the bill, and ask "if you won't cosponsor, please explain ~ in your response." Encourage them to contact you if they have any questions concerning the bill or the issues. Congresspeople get hundreds of letters every day, so your goal should be to stand out from the crowd by asking for real commitments and specific responses. Make it clear to them that you are aware of your power as a voter! And that you will use this power depending on his or her response. (See sample letter in the Resources Section.)
To Become a Powerful Citizen Lobbyist. Read On!
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