Decisions as to how that money is spent shouldn't happen without our input!

 

There are two main instances where we should be involved:

 

1. When legislation is introduced in Congress that will affect CLL research funding.

 

2.  'Advocacy Day' that brings together various groups that, together, lobby members of the House and Senate.  This is accomplished by individuals travelling to Washington, D.C. and going to pre-arranged meetings with their particular Senators and Congress member.

 

 

How we can get involved:

 

1.  We must be informed as to legislation that is introduced that may have some impact on CLL, research, funding, and other relevant topics.

 

2.  If necessary, an "Alert" will be posted on the Cure for CLL homepage.  The Alert will provide a description of the legislation or issue of importance, and a suggested course of action that might be taken. 

 

3.  Other actions recommended might be placed on the Alert box, or on the advocacy page.

 

To find your Senator:

 

 

 

 

To find your Congressmember:

 

 

 

With these links, you can quickly find the e-mail, physical address, and telephone number to your representatives.

 

OR, Try this!

 

The best is a phone call or a written letter, typed or by hand.  E-mails, because they are quickly written and sent, as less effective. 

 

As you can imagine, legislators are often innundated by e-mails on a particular popular issue.  Your message might get lost in the onslaught!

 

 

Believe it or not, a personal touch is very effective!  Write a letter in your own words.  Tell YOUR story. 

 

Spell out in the first paragraph what you are asking for.  For example, you might write

 

I'm writing to you to ask you to vote YES on S. 1000, a measure to increase funding for cancers of the blood. 

 

Then, tell them briefly who you are, and why you care about this issue.

 

 

Be respectful in tone at all times.  Don't threaten.  Be civil

 

Tell your story on one page if you can.  Legislators get a lot of mail.

 

Thank the member if he/she has helped in the past.

 

Make a connection.  If you've met before, you might mention it.  They might not remember specifically, but that helps link the two of you.

 

You might want to include a phone number so that they may contact you.  You may also offer to give them more information about an issue if they are interested. 

 

Include your name and address.  Members are less likely to respond to your letter if you aren't in their district. 

 

 

You can call the district office, or the office in Washington, DC.

 

Tell them why you are calling.  You may say, "I'm calling to urge the Senator to vote yes on S. 1000.  I am vitally interested in this issue because I have a blood disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and I will be affected by your vote on this legislation."

 

You might also call periodically to check on the progress of the issue or legislation.

 

You are generally going to speak to a staff person.  That's certainly OK.  Just ask that you pass the information or request along to the legislator.

 

Ask if there are any upcoming events you might go to to met the legislator in person.  Members are politicians, and generally they like (or realize they must) meeting people.  That's a golden opportunity to have them place a face with an issue.

 

When you call, be business-like, but you don't have to be formal.