Legislative Action Center
Legislative Action Alerts

Legislative Action Center

Read Legislative Action Alerts Online

Receive Legislative Action Alerts by E-mail [MEMBERS ONLY]

The NFRW's Legislative Action Alerts program generates support or opposition for an issue that concerns members of the Federation. It is based on our ability to reach thousands of Federation members quickly and effectively to urge them to generate e-mails, phone calls and letters to Members of Congress, state legislators, and federal or state administrative officials. It is an effective tool to carry the Republican message.

An Alert is initiated by the NFRW president when there is a need for massive grassroots support or opposition to influence crucial legislation before Congress or an action or decision of Congress or the White House. In addition, an Alert can be used to motivate Congress or the White House to address a particular issue and influence the discussion before the legislation is introduced, or it can be initiated in response to a request for support from a Republican congressional or administration leader or a state federation president.

Legislative Action Alerts are issued by e-mail through the NFRW e-mail network, which is provided free to members who sign up for the service. The Alerts also are archived online. These Alerts provide the necessary background information to educate members, and then urge members to take a specific action, usually contacting a legislator.

As one of the largest and most influential women's political organizations in the nation, the Federation has the power and unified voice to truly impact the direction of our Congress and our country.

Action Steps for an Effective Legislative Action Alerts Hotline

When a national Alert has been issued, your mission is to make your voice heard on the local, state and national levels.

STEP 1
Immediately contact your representative, senator or official, as instructed. Call, e-mail, or write a letter. 

STEP 2
Make your voice heard through the media. Media outlets represent perfect opportunities to reach large audiences, and your participation will generate additional support for the effort.

• Call a local radio talk show. Next call a national radio talk show, i.e. Rush Limbaugh. 
• Write a letter to the editor or an opinion-editorial for your local newspaper. [See "Successfully Writing a Letter to the Editor"]

STEP 3
Take action and use alternative methods to carry the message.

• Discuss the issue with your friends, colleagues and neighbors - motivate them to get involved. Show them how this personally affects them.
• Discuss the issue at your next community meeting.

Make Your Voice Heard!

CONTACTING THE WHITE HOUSE

PHONE: (202) 456-1111

WEB SITE: www.whitehouse.gov

ADDRESS:

President of the United States of America
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

CONTACTING CONGRESS

PHONE: (202) 224-3121
Through the U.S. Capitol operator, you can reach any representative's or senator's office.

WEB SITE:

www.house.gov
www.senate.gov
www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/

ADDRESS:

The Honorable______________________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable______________________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

CONTACTING YOUR STATE/LOCAL MEDIA

You should have the below contact information available and current at all times. This will come in handy when you must take immediate action.

MEDIA OUTLETS:

• State Daily Newspaper
• Local Newspaper
• State Radio Network
• Local Radio Talk Show

NECESSARY CONTACT INFORMATION:

• Contact Name and Title
• Phone
• Email
• Address
• Deadlines
• Best Times to Reach Your Contact

  Find Your State/Local Media: www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/

Implementing a Legislative Action Alerts Hotline Locally

A club can issue an Alert for their members on a state or local issue. It is important that Federation members be actively involved in legislation on all levels.

• Appoint a Club Legislative Chairman, or someone responsible for organizing and overseeing legislative activities for your club.
   
• Identify the "core activists" in your club - those members who particularly enjoy contacting elected officials and can be depended upon to do so.
   
• Alerts should be kept simple and short - briefly identify the issue, the provisions of the bill, the bill number, when a vote is expected, etc. The credibility of the Federation as a lobbying force depends upon a well-informed membership. A clear message and accurate knowledge of a bill's provisions will bring respect from targets of the Alert.
   
• Set up a system to periodically monitor the effectiveness of your Legislative Action Alerts program. Is it working? Are the members responding? Ask each member to record any action she takes in response to an Alert so the club president or legislative chairman can document the hotline's effectiveness.