Mailers’ postal reform efforts are entering a critical phase. The time left on Congress’ legislative calendar is limited. If you want to help avert a postal fiscal collapse, you must convince Congress to act before it adjourns.
When it comes to communicating with Congress, many are intimidated or perplexed. “What should I say? How should I say it?” But this sort of anxiety shouldn’t be your concern. Rather, it should be the lawmakers’.
If you want to make an impression on your congressional rep, keep in mind the old adage, “All politics is local.” If you want your voice to be heard, speak to your legislator in a manner that will mean something to him or her, as in, “How does this issue affect the folks back home?”
How can you do this? It’s simple. Here’s a list of questions. Once you have the answers, you’ll know exactly what to say.
– In which communities are your company’s divisions located? At each locale, how many do you employ? How many people live in the homes of your employees?
– How much does your business pay in taxes? How much do your employees pay? How much does your firm spend on workers’ benefits?
– Does your business rely on mail for communication and commerce? How much does your business spend on (or earn from transactions related to) postage? What would happen to your business if a reliable, universal mail delivery system disappeared?
– How would the loss of the benefits you provide affect your employees and their families? How many of your employees are their families’ sole support? How many of your employees care for sick or disabled children or adults?
If “all politics is local,” then you, your company and your community are as local as it gets. Tell your representative why he or she needs to be concerned about our postal system’s future. And don’t accept anything less than “I’ll get on it” as a reply. Remember, they work for you, not the other way around.
Network
