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You Can Affecthe Outcome of Legislation
National Rifle Association
Institute
of Americafor Legislative Action
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NRA-ILA Election & Legislative Action Manual —
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essageFromNRA-ILA Staff
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While our victories illustrate what we can achieve by working together to ensure our elected officials respect our rights, we cannot afford to become complacent. A whole host of "gun control" schemes aimed at dismantling the
There’s only one thing standing between their anti-gun agenda and the preservation of our rights—you! As an NRA member and grassroots volunteer, you are on the front lines of the battle to protect and defend our Second Amendment rights. What you do locally, whether contacting your legislators, writing letters to the editor, or volunteering to work on behalf of pro-gun candidates, will ultimately spell the difference between victory and defeat.
This manual is designed to help you become a more effective
We hope that you will continue your efforts in support of the Amendment, and help us protect our firearm freedoms today, and for generations to come. Please keep in mind that while this manual provides the framework and information essential to successful grassroots activities, NRA-ILA staff is available to assist you in implementing your strategies and organizing your efforts at the federal, state, and local levels.
We don’t expect everyone to do everything outlined in this manual, but we hope everyone does something!
n recent years, NRA has consistently been listed as one of the most influential lobbying groups in America—a distinction for which we are extremely proud. However, the credit for this lofty honor should rightfully go to NRA members. Without dedicated members like you, working in your communities to elect pro-gun legislators and affect legislative change, NRA could not have achieved this recognition, and your continued commitment will allow us to build on our successes.Second Amendment piece-by-piece remain very much alive in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across the country. Rest assured, the resolve of the enemies of our freedom has not diminished.Second Amendment activist, and to ensure that your efforts have the maximum impact on the political and legislative processes at the local, state, and federal levels. In the following pages, you will find many valuable guidelines and tips to help you increase your level of activism in your community. Whether you have just recently become involved in our efforts, or are an experienced veteran of this battle, please study this manual closely to find out how you can become an even more effective volunteer in the fight to protect the Second Amendment in your own community.
—NRA-ILA
Staff
(800) 392-8683 • Click here To Go To NRAILA.org
TableofContents
LEGI
SLATIVE ACTION
How You Can Affect the
Outcome of Legislation
Click on the Chapter titles to go directly to that section
1 Introduction
4 Understanding the Legislative Process
5 How a
7 Communicating With Your Lawmakers
11 Guidelines for Communicating With the Media
15
19 Legislative Action
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Bill becomes a Law Build Your Own Grassroots Network Summary
Introduction
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In recent elections, NRA members and gun owners across the country proved that working together, we could mobilize our forces to replace anti-gun lawmakers with individuals who respect our
While many people may be reluctant to become involved with a political campaign because they feel it is an overwhelming commitment, one very simple rule must be kept in mind—
Remember, ours is a system of government
This portion of the manual will provide you with information on what you can do to help elect pro-gun candidates to office, both as an individual, and as a leader of a group of volunteers. The information set forth in this section will give you some insight and suggestions on how to undertake successful campaign efforts which will ultimately lead to the election of pro-gun lawmakers.
Keep in mind the intent of this manual is not to turn you into an expert political campaign consultant. Rather, it is intended to give you a firm working knowledge and understanding of what a campaign entails, and how you can personally contribute to the efforts of a pro-gun candidate.
We need you on the front lines fighting for our rights, and want you to know that you will not be fighting alone. Hundreds of thousands of NRA members and gun owners are totally committed to assisting with your efforts.
t’s no secret that there are a number of elected officials who would rather restrict our Second Amendment rights than effectively address the problem of violent crime in this country. Therefore, there exists a need for stronger and more effective grassroots involvement by NRA members and gun owners in the political campaigns of pro-gun candidates seeking public office. Second Amendment rights. It is because of the hard work by gun owners like yourself that we continuously manage to elect an overwhelming majority of NRA-PVF-endorsed candidates to office each election year.no campaign can succeed without a dedicated corps of volunteers. And that’s where you, as an NRA member and gun owner, can have the greatest impact. of the people, by the people, and for the people, so any commitment you can make to the campaign efforts of a pro-gun candidate, no matter how large or small, can truly make a difference.
Let’s all work together to defend our mutual freedoms!
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NRA-ILA
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egislative Action
H
ow You CanAffect
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egislativeAction
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I
ntroduction
Of the people, by the people, for the people—that’s our system of government. No doubt it’s the greatest system in the world, but it works only when "we the people" participate in the process.Legislative Action Manual will provide you with information on how you can help to effectively influence legislation. Some of the items set forth in this section may be familiar, as similarities exist between electing lawmakers to office and influencing legislation. Others may provide you with additional strategies you can utilize to help protect our freedom. Second Amendment rights for future generations. Remember, no matter how large or small your involvement, every bit helps. egislativeAction (800) 392-8683 • Click here To Go To NRAILA.org Return to Table of Contents
S
ince the goal of your legislative volunteer activities is to positively affect the outcome of legislation, it is important to have a basic understanding of how our system of government is set up and how the legislative process works.
Understanding the Structure of the Government
The United
States government is based upon the principle of "separation of powers." Just as there are separate forms of government at the local, state, and federal levels, so too is the federal government itself divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Each branch of our federal government has the ability and responsibility to "check" the others to make sure there are no abuses of power.
Executive Branch
The Executive
Branch is comprised of the President, Vice President, cabinet agencies, and all related agencies, e.g., BATFE, FBI, Treasury, Federal Trade Commission, EPA, IRS, Health & Human Services, HUD, etc. The responsibility of the Executive is to enforce and execute the laws passed by the U.S. Congress and promulgate regulations to carry out its responsibilities. Elections for president and vice president are held every four years. Candidates for these two offices run as a "ticket," whereby casting a vote for a presidential candidate automatically casts a vote for his vice presidential running mate.
Legislative Branch
The U.
At the end of each decade, a reapportionment of congressional seats occurs.
S. Congress makes up the Legislative Branch of the United States government. The Congress consists of the U.Senate (100 senators—two per state) and the U.House of Representatives (435 representatives—number of representatives per state based on state population). The Legislative Branch is responsible for writing, passing, changing, and repealing federal laws that affect the entire country. U.S. Senators serve six-year terms and their elections are staggered, so that one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. U.S. Representatives serve two-year terms and elections for the entire body are held every two years. Based upon U.S. Census data, reapportionment re-allocates congressional seats to certain states based on population shifts in each state. For example, if the census data indicate that a state has seen a decline in its population, it may lose congressional seats. Conversely, if a state’s population has increased, it may gain seats. However the shift in seats occurs, though, the sum total of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives is constant at 435.
Judicial Branch
The Judicial
Branch embodies the U.Supreme Court (nine Justices), and all federal courts. Court Justices (as well as other federal judges) are nominated by the President, approved by the U.S. Senate, and serve life terms. It is the responsibility of the Judicial to interpret the constitutionality of federal and state laws.
State & Local Governmen
State governments are set up similar to the federal government in that they are all bicameral (two houses) forms of government (except for Nebraska which is the only unicameral [one house] legislature in the nation).
In addition to the state legislature, which is responsible for passing those laws which affect the entire state, most counties, cities, and towns have their own governing bodies which pass ordinances and regulations pertaining only to their particular jurisdiction.
tSome local governmental bodies include: county commission, board of supervisors, city/town council, board of selectmen, etc. Local governments will sometimes have their own committees, and while there are some distinct differences between how the federal, state, and local governments function, there are a great many similarities.
U
nderstanding The Legislative Process
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W
hile there are different nuances between the legislative processes in Congress and state and local legislative bodies, understanding the legislative path of a bill in the U.S. Congress (see the chart that follows), will give you a good understanding of the legislative process in legislative bodies across the country.
Origins of Legislation
Legislation can be suggested by lawmakers, constituents, interest groups, state or federal agencies, or from "model legislation" which has been adopted by other states. Legislation must be introduced by a Member(s) of Congress.
Committee/Subcommittee Action
Once a bill has been introduced, it is assigned a number and referred to the specific committee(s) which has jurisdiction over the subject matter of the bill (usually firearm-related bills are referred to the Judiciary Committee). A subcommittee usually considers the bill prior to action being taken by the full committee. The committee’s responsibilities are basically to "mark up" or make any changes or amendments to the bill prior to making its recommendation to the full chamber; to hold public hearings to allow for testimony for or against the bill; and finally, to pass (or "report out") or not pass (or not "report out") the bill out of committee.
Floor Action
nce a bill passes out of committee, it moves to the floor of the respective legislative chamber—either the House or Senate. Depending on restrictions which may be placed on the bill, governing how many or what types of amendments may be allowed, length of debate, etc., the full legislative chamber votes on the measure that was approved by the committee. If a bill passes in one chamber, it then goes through a similar process in the other chamber. If its defeated in either chamber, it may or may not be considered by the other.
Conference Committees
If there are substantial differences between the bills passed by each chamber, a conference committee, made up of legislators from both houses, is appointed to "hammer out" the differences contained in the two bills. The bill passed by the conference committee then goes back to each house, and if approved, goes to the President. A "conference report," as the bill is then known, cannot be amended on the floor of either house.
Action by President
Finally, if the bill passes both houses in the same form, it goes on to the President for his signature (approval) or veto (disapproval). If the bill is signed, it becomes law. If the bill is vetoed, it goes back to the legislature where the veto can be overridden by a super majority of votes (two-thirds) in each chamber.
(The chart on the following page outlines the path a bill usually takes in the U.S. Congress to become law.)
H
ow a BillBecomes a Law
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HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
Legislation is introduced in Senate.
Legislation is introduced in House.
Bill is assigned number and sent to
appropriate House subcommittee or full
committee.
Bill is assigned number and sent
to appropriate Senate committee.
Appropriate House subcommittee and then
appropriate committee hold hearings on bill to allow for testimony, then make necessary changes and vote on bill. If the bill passes out of committee, it goes to the full House.
Appropriate Senate subcommittee and
then appropriate committee hold hearings on bill to allow for testimony, then make necessary changes and vote on bill. If the bill passes out of committee, it goes to the full Senate
Senate leadership schedules bill for Senate
debate and proscribes conditions under which bill will be debated.
House Rules Committee schedules bill
for full House debate and determines the manner in which the bill will be debated.
Bill debated and voted on by full Senate.
Bill debated and voted on by full House.
If bill passes: it is sent to the House;
or if it already passed the House in a different version, the bill goes to a conference committee to reconcile the differences; or if bill had passed the House in identical form, the bill goes to the president for his signature/veto.
If bill passes: it is sent to the Senate;
or if it already passed the Senate in a different version, the bill goes to a conference committee to reconcile the differences; or if bill had passed the Senate in identical form, the bill goes to the president for his signature/veto.
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First some general information. NRA-ILA’s website—www.NRAILA.org—has a wealth of information to assist you when contacting your lawmakers.
s a voting constituent, you have a tremendous ability to influence the outcome of legislation. Ask any elected official which individual’s concerns are most important to him, and chances are they all will deliver the same response: his constituents’. All politicians are keenly aware of the fact that it is their constituents who hold the keys to their political futures. Therefore, constituent concerns are of the utmost concern to politicians. The best way you can affect the outcome of legislation is to directly communicate your views to your lawmakers. REMEMBER: Your lawmakers work for you! Since the primary concern of all politicians is to get re-elected, be sure you communicate your concerns with your own elected officials first! Then, if you wish to express your views to others who don’t directly represent you, you can do so, as votes legislators take, especially at the state and federal levels, affect us all. But always make sure your legislators hear from you first! Of particular note is our "Write Your Representatives" feature, that enables you to identify and contact your lawmakers directly from our site. Keep in mind that many times you will not be speaking directly to your elected official, but rather to a member of his staff. Contact with legislative staff is critical to the process, as staff has major input with lawmakers and has expertise in most issues on which legislators will vote—including gun-related issues. Listed below, you’ll find some additional tips on effectively communicating with your elected officials
Writing Effective Letters
One of the most often-utilized methods of communicating with your lawmakers is writing a letter. As a voting constituent, a letter is an easy way for you to let lawmakers know your views on specific issues, encourage them to vote your way, and let them know you’ll watch how they vote on particular issues and keep those votes in mind on Election Day!
Keep your letters short and to the point, with just enough facts and figures to further enhance your position. Never lie or make a statement you can’t back up with evidence. Always let your lawmakers know how a specific issue will
If you own or operate a business, use your company letterhead. If you’re a union member, member of the PTA, or another civic group, don’t hesitate to mention that. Taking these steps will enhance your message and ensure your concerns are taken seriously. In this day and age of instant communication, a letter will often break through the noise and stand out, getting lawmakers’ attention. Here are three quick tips you’ll want to refer to when drafting your letter, followed by a sample letter to serve as a guide.
affect you personally, and make sure he understands that you live and vote in his district or state (remember, constituents’ concerns are most important to elected officials), and therefore, what affects you may affect your fellow constituents as well.
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ommunicating WithYourLawmakers
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How To Address Your Lawmaker. Address your letters to "The Honorable _______," and begin the letter "Dear Senator" or "Dear Representative." If writing to a Committee Chairman or Speaker of the House, address him as "Mr. Chairman" or "Madame Speaker." (You may obtain your lawmakers’ addresses by calling the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or using the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org.)Be Brief, Specific, & Always Be Courteous! Letters shouldn’t exceed one page, and the purpose of your letter should be stated clearly in the first paragraph. If your letter pertains to specific legislation, identify it accordingly (use the bill number, if known, and/or the title of the bill and a brief description, as with thousands of bills introduced each session, a bill number may not be sufficient to easily identify the issue). To make sure your letter is as productive as possible, always be courteous, even if you disagree with your representative’s position! Never threaten or use abusive language. This only hurts your cause. Ask Them To Respond. Always ask for a response to your letter. You’ll want a hard copy of your legislator’s positions on these issues for future reference and to document their positions. Always send copies of any responses you receive to NRA-ILA’s Grassroots Division, so we may ensure your lawmakers are telling you the same thing they are telling, us and so we have them on record!
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E-Mail
E-mail is becoming a more popular way to communicate your views to your lawmakers. While not every legislator can receive e-mail messages, most can, and more and more elected officials are utilizing e-mail. Tips for transmitting an effective e-mail message are similar to writing a letter, though this format is usually less formal and allows you to be a bit more brief in your message. A major advantage of e-mail versus a personally-written letter is the speed in which your message will be received. Be prepared for some lawmakers to "respond" to your e-mail message with a canned reflector message, acknowledging receipt, but not specifically addressing your concern. Others may have a filter form that you must first complete to aid in routing your e-mail to the appropriate staff person. sure that you request a response so you can document their position easily.
Send this response to ILA Grassroots for our information and records. (You can find your lawmakers’ [federal and state] e-mail addresses AND send them an e-mail message utilizing the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org.)
Click here to sign up for NRA-ILA’s FREE e-mail alerts.
Faxing
Nearly all lawmakers have published fax numbers. What’s more, faxing allows you to send a full, letter-length message to your representatives in a matter of minutes for just the cost of a phone call. When preparing a fax message to a lawmaker, follow the same basic guidelines used when mailing a letter via regular mail. You also want to make sure your fax number is clearly visible, in case your legislator wishes to respond to you via fax. (You may call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-V
OTE (8683) for your lawmakers’ fax number or utilize the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org.)
Effective Telephone Calls
You will often find that, as bills move through the legislative process, there simply isn’t enough time to write your legislators prior to a key vote. When you need to get in touch with your lawmakers immediately to let them know of your position on gun-related issues, and if you don’t have e-mail capabilities, your telephone calls become the most effective means for you to communicate your views.
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Below are several tips for you to refer to when placing your calls. (As with other contact information for your elected officials, the Grassroots Division can provide you with phone numbers for your legislators, and the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org can also provide this information.)IdentifyYourself As AConstituent. As someone who lives and votes in the district or state of the lawmaker you are contacting, your phone calls carry the most weight. (While calls to representatives outside your district or state can be helpful as well, always be sure to contact your own legislators first.)State Your Point QuicklyAnd Clearly. sure to limit your telephone call to one subject. brief, but specific. Your phone call should last at most only a couple of minutes. the reason you are calling, giving a brief description of the bill and bill number if possible. REMEMBER: ALWAYSBE COURTEOUS! NEVER threaten, or use abusive language. equest That Your Legislator Follow UpYour CallWith a Letter. Be sure to give your name and home address and request that your legislator follow up with a letter. By providing your contact information, you’ll confirm to your legislators’ offices that you are a constituent. You took the time to call, so have your legislator take the time to respond. Get his position in writing on issues important to you and furnish these responses to ILA Grassroots. You Do Not Always Have To IdentifyYourself SolelyAs An NRAMember! Unfortunately, many anti-gun politicians are under the misguided impression that NRA members only say what NRA tells them to say. If you identify yourself as a voting constituent or community or business leader; PTA, veteran, or American Legion member; or homemaker, lawmakers will find it harder to dismiss your call and will realize that your issue resonates with others.
Personal Meetings
By far, the most effective way to articulate your views to your elected officials and to affect the outcome of legislation is to personally meet with your lawmakers and/or their
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staff. While personal visits are extremely productive, they also require the most amount of planning to ensure success. When planning a personal visit (often in a district or local office as opposed to Washington, D.C.), refer to the following guidelines:
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Schedule An Appointment. Elected officials have extremely hectic schedules. To help increase the chance that you will have time allotted for you to speak directly with your legislator, call in advance to set up an appointment (usually with the scheduler). Again, since most of your personal meetings will be scheduled at your lawmakers’ district offices, be sure you contact these offices to make your appointment. Be on time! Explain How Proposed Legislation WillDirectlyAffect You. Use specific examples to show your lawmaker how firearm-related bills will jeopardize your rights or the lives of law-abiding citizens and unduly burden those engaged in lawful activities. If the proposed measure will strengthen our rights or benefit gun owners, specifically cite examples to support this position.Always Be Polite! Nothing is as detrimental to a visit with a lawmaker than rudeness, vulgarity, or threats. Even if you disagree with the position of your legislator, be courteous. Dress professionally to convey the seriousness of your visit. Follow UpYour Visit With ALetter. Regardless of how your meeting goes, send a letter to your legislator thanking him for his time, and reiterating the points you discussed. This gesture will go a long way, and possibly allow for future meetings.If Your Lawmaker Is Unavailable, Meet With His Staff. Your representative may not always be available for a meeting. In such cases, try to schedule an appointment with the staff member responsible for firearm-related issues. Legislative staff will bring your concerns to your legislators’ attention, have great influence on legislators’ voting decisions, and often have expertise on gun-related issues. Send a follow-up letter to the staff member you met with as well. Keep in mind many congressional staff members later run for office themselves, so these relationships can be invaluable in the future!Bring Ample Copies of Materials To Share With Your Lawmaker And His Staff. These materials will bolster you point and serve as valuable reference materials after your meeting has concluded. Everyone who attends the meeting should get copies, so bring extras to ensure all receive the materials.
Attend Town Hall Meetings
Lawmakers often host town hall meetings in their districts—especially during district work breaks/recesses—to tout their achievements and solicit feedback from their constituents. Such meetings are a prime opportunity for you to ask your lawmakers to state their position on firearm-related issues for the record in an open and public forum. The following guidelines should be helpful when planning to attend town hall meetings.
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Get On The Invite List And Attend Meetings. Write your lawmakers and ask to be put on the invitation list for their town hall meetings. If they do not have such a list, ask for information on the next meeting. When you receive word that a town hall meeting is scheduled, be sure to make plans to attend, and share this information with the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division so we may alert your fellow NRA members and encourage them to attend as well. Prepare Questions Ahead Of Time. Have specific questions in mind, such as asking for your legislator’s position on a specific bill or issue, e.g., Right-to-Carry, a ban on gun shows, reckless lawsuit preemption, gun bans, etc.Get An Answer. Ask your question clearly and as simply as possible, e.g., "Do you support Right-to-Carry/ Do you support S. 397, legislation to end reckless lawsuits against the gun industry?" If your legislator doesn’t answer your question sufficiently, politely repeat the question.Follow-With a Letter. Whether you had the opportunity to ask your question or not, follow up with a letter to your lawmaker. Let him know you attended his last town meeting. Ask your question in your letter if you didn’t have an opportunity to do so at the meeting, or address his response to any firearm-related questions other constituents may have asked. This letter will allow you to obtain a written response addressing your concerns that you should also share with ILA Grassroots.
SAMPLE LETTER TO LAWMAKERS
Date
Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Senator/Representative (Full Name)
Address
City, State, Zip
Dear Senator/Representative (Last Name) :
As your voting constituent, I strongly urge you to cosponsor and support S. XX/ H.R. XX—"Castle Doctrine"—legislation. This bill would protect the fundamental right to self-defense for our state’s citizens. If a person is in a place she has a legal right to be, she can respond with force in defense of her life. "Castle Doctrine" also protects law-abiding citizens from criminal and civil charges for defending themselves against an attacker, giving protection to the law-abiding people while also protecting the victims.
Today, approximately 20 states have enacted "Castle Doctrine" laws, and as your constituent, I respectfully urge you to support S. XX/ H.R. XX and my right to defend myself and my family.
I thank you for your consideration and would appreciate you informing me of your position on this legislation.
Sincerely,
Your Name
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F
ew issues today are more misunderstood by the general public than the issue of gun control. Many of the commonly-held misconceptions result directly from the media’s often skewed coverage of this issue. Contacting local newspapers, radio, and television stations to protest biased coverage of firearm-related issues helps influence the media’s presentation of this subject, as well as inform the public of the facts that support of our position. Keep in mind that your contacts do not always have to be negative. If you see a positive story relating to gun ownership, contact that media outlet to thank them and to encourage them to run similar stories in the future. Our "Write The Media" feature at www.NRAILA.org will help you identify and contact a variety of newspapers and TV and radio stations. Below are some tips to help you when contacting the media.
Letters To The Editor
Letters to the editor provide citizens with the opportunity to comment on articles and editorials appearing in their local newspapers.
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Studies show that the letters to the editor section of newspapers is extremely popular, and is widely read by community leaders and lawmakers to gauge public sentiment about current issues. Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when crafting your letter to the editor:Type Or Write Clearly. Include your name, address, and telephone number. Papers often call to verify authorship. Newspapers generally do not print anonymous letters or letters submitted to multiple newspapers for publication. If you’re a subscriber to the paper, mention it.Address Your Letters To the "Letters Editors" Or "Dear Editor."Be Brief And Specific. Letters should rarely exceed one page. State the purpose of your letter in the opening paragraph and stick to that topic. If your letter pertains to a specific article or editorial, identify it accordingly. Try to keep your letter under 200 words. Less is more! Always adhere to the paper’s guidelines, which should be clearly stated on the editorial page of the paper or on its website.Accurate Documentation. Mentioning documented studies and statistics in your letter will enhance its effect, but don’t overdo it. Your underlying message can become lost in a sea of figures. Don’t make statements you can’t back up with hard facts or figures. Avoid personal attacks and insults.Write About Current Issues, Not Old Topics. Stick to current debates and issues. Respond promptly to anti-gun stories and editorials. Write in support of pending pro-gun legislation or against pending anti-gun legislation.Don’t Become Discouraged If Your Letter Is Published. Most publications receive more letters than they can print, but will sometimes print one letter as a representative sample of others. Most important, keep trying! Unpublished letters are still read by the editors, and can help them determine which topics should receive more attention.
Editorials
Editorials are a vehicle by which citizens can make extensive comments on articles, editorials, and policies. Like letters to the editor, editorials are placed on the editorial page (often opposite the letters to the editor), and have the ability to reach a large audience. When writing an editorial, be sure to keep your piece concise and include specific information. The average length of editorials that are printed is between 400-800 words long. Check with your local paper concerning length requirements. A phone call to the editor is helpful, and is sometimes required, when arranging the publication of a guest editorial. Generally, you will have a much better chance of having a letter to the editor published than an editorial (and editorials are sometimes reserved for well noted individuals or "experts"), but this shouldn’t discourage you from taking the appropriate steps to submit an editorial yourself or finding someone of note to do so.
Broadcast Media
Although your contacts to the broadcast media will not be seen by the general public, they can help influence the programming of a particular station. Local radio and television stations compete for listeners and viewers, which means their programming must cater to their audience. If you complain about unfair, biased anti-gun programming, stations may see that as the potential for lost viewers or listeners, and thus, lost revenue in the form of advertising dollars. Likewise, if you thank broadcast media outlets when they air pro-gun stories (or at least fair stories!), you help increase the chances that similar stories will run in the future. Remember, your impact will be multiplied when you encourage your family, friends,
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uidelines for Communicating with the Media
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and fellow firearm owners to contact the station as well. Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when crafting your letter to the broadcast media:
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Locate The Station’s Address In Your LocalYellow Pages. Stations will be listed under "Radio Stations" or "Television or can be found on-line or you can visit "Write the Media" at NRAILA.org.Type Or Write Clearly. Include your name, address, and telephone number.
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Remember, don’t limit yourself to only letters of complaint. When you see a positive gun-related story, a friendly letter of thanks mentioning that you found the show lively, entertaining, and informative can go a long way to ensuring similar stories in the future. Remember to mention that you are a regular listener or viewer, and you hope the station will continue broadcasting similar programs in the future.
Address Your Letter To T