2014 Congressional Elections Advocacy 101 - Making a Difference in Congress | Page 6

Bread for the World provides resources to help people who are new and
those experienced in holding an Offering of Letters. These include tips
for organizing a letter-writing event, sample letters, posters, a video that
shows how our advocacy leads to concrete improvements in people’s lives,
and more. In addition, your regional organizer can offer advice, materials,
and connections to other Bread for the World members in your area.
See the Offering of Letters website at www.bread.org/ol for the latest
materials.

When Is the Best Time?
Any time is good to communicate with your member of Congress. Writing or holding an Offering of Letters in early spring is particularly effective
to urge legislators to introduce and cosponsor hunger-related bills. Key
budget decisions are also made relatively early in the year. Congressional
staff report that letters from constituents are “particularly helpful or influential early on in a decision-making process, when members and staff are
researching and developing policy positions.” But useful letters can be sent
at any time during the year. Visit Bread’s website at www.bread.org to get
the latest updates on the issues currently before Congress and what message you can send that will have the most impact.
After you write a letter or hold an Offering of Letters, it’s helpful to follow up as your legislators reply and as more policy and budget decisions

6
Jim Stipe for Bread for the World