Advocacy Tools
Email Templates
Professional constituent email templates for contacting your legislators. Customize the bracketed fields with your own information and story.
Tips for Effective Advocacy Emails
- • Personalize every template. Fill in your name, city, and personal story. Generic emails have less impact.
- • Use the subject line. A clear subject line helps your email get read and routed correctly.
- • Be concise. Aim for 3–4 short paragraphs maximum.
- • Make one specific ask. What exactly do you want the legislator to do?
- • Include your address. Legislators track constituent correspondence by district.
- • Follow up with a phone call. Emails combined with a call are more effective than either alone.
Bill Support
Support for a Bill
Subject: Constituent Support for [Bill Number] — [Your City]
Dear [Assembly Member / Senator Last Name], My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a resident of [Your City], located in your [Assembly/Senate] district. I am writing to express my strong support for [Bill Number: Bill Name]. This legislation is critically important to me and to our community because [explain why — e.g., "it would expand access to mental health services for young people who currently have no affordable options"]. [Share your personal connection: e.g., "As a student, parent, or community member, I have personally witnessed..."] I strongly encourage you to vote YES on [Bill Number] when it comes before the [Assembly/Senate]. Thank you for your service to our district and for considering my perspective. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further if you are available. Respectfully, [Your Full Name] [Your Address, City, ZIP] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
Bill Opposition
Opposition to a Bill
Subject: Constituent Opposition to [Bill Number] — [Your City]
Dear [Assembly Member / Senator Last Name], My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a constituent in [Your City], in your [Assembly/Senate] district. I am writing to respectfully express my opposition to [Bill Number: Bill Name]. While I understand the intent behind this legislation, I am concerned that [explain your concern — e.g., "it would impose significant financial burdens on small businesses that are already struggling to survive"]. [Provide a specific example or data point if available.] I urge you to vote NO on [Bill Number] and encourage the Legislature to find alternative solutions that [describe the ideal outcome]. I appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to serving all constituents in our district. Respectfully, [Your Full Name] [Your Address, City, ZIP] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
Meeting Request
Meeting Request with a Legislator
Subject: Meeting Request — [Your Name] — [Issue/Topic]
Dear [Assembly Member / Senator Last Name], My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a [student, community member, small business owner, etc.] from [Your City]. I reside in your [Assembly/Senate] district. I am writing to respectfully request a brief meeting — even 15 to 20 minutes — to discuss [briefly describe the issue, e.g., "the impact of budget cuts on community college programs" or "housing affordability in our district"]. [Optional: "I represent [organization name / a group of community members] who are deeply invested in this issue."] I am flexible with scheduling and am happy to visit your district office at your convenience. I believe this conversation would be valuable, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to share our community's perspective. Thank you very much for your time and your service to our district. Respectfully, [Your Full Name] [Your Address, City, ZIP] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
Issue Advocacy
Advocacy Letter on a Specific Issue
Subject: [Your Name] — Concerned Constituent on [Issue] — [Your City]
Dear [Assembly Member / Senator Last Name], My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a resident of [Your City] in your district. I am writing to share my concerns about [Issue — e.g., affordable housing, healthcare access, education funding]. [Paragraph 1 — Personal Story or Connection:] [Explain how this issue has personally affected you, your family, or your community. Be specific and genuine.] [Paragraph 2 — The Problem:] [Describe the problem more broadly. Include any data, statistics, or examples that illustrate the scope of the issue in California or your community.] [Paragraph 3 — Your Ask:] I am asking you to [state specific action — e.g., "co-author legislation to address this issue," "support increased funding in the state budget," "hold a community forum to hear from constituents directly"]. I believe that with your leadership, we can [describe the positive outcome]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and am happy to provide additional information or connect you with community members who are directly impacted. Thank you for your commitment to our district. Respectfully, [Your Full Name] [Your Address, City, ZIP] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
Thank You
Thank You Letter After a Positive Vote
Subject: Thank You — [Your Name] — [Issue/Bill]
Dear [Assembly Member / Senator Last Name], My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a constituent in [Your City]. I am writing to thank you for [your vote in support of / your leadership on] [Bill Number or Issue]. Your action demonstrates your commitment to [the values/issue], and it means a great deal to me and to many others in our community. [Optional: "As someone who [personal connection], this decision has a direct and meaningful impact on my life / the lives of people I care about."] I appreciate your continued dedication to representing our district, and I look forward to supporting your efforts to [relevant future goal]. Thank you again for being a champion for our community. With gratitude, [Your Full Name] [Your City] [Your Email]
Budget Advocacy
State Budget Priorities Letter
Subject: Budget Priorities Request — [Your Name] — [Your City]
Dear [Assembly Member / Senator Last Name], My name is [Your Full Name], and I am writing as a resident of [Your City] in your district. As the state budget process moves forward, I am urging you to prioritize funding for [specific area — e.g., K-12 education, community mental health services, affordable housing, environmental programs]. [Explain why: e.g., "Our local community college depends on state funding to provide affordable education for thousands of students who are the first in their families to attend college. Without this investment, many of these students would have no path forward."] I understand that the budget involves difficult trade-offs, and I appreciate the complexity of these decisions. However, I believe that investing in [your priority area] is essential to the health, safety, and future of California communities. I urge you to advocate strongly for this funding during budget negotiations. Thank you for your consideration and your service. Respectfully, [Your Full Name] [Your Address, City, ZIP] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]