leaders resources
How to contact your member of parliament Find out about your elected representative, wherever you live Log on to www.writetothem.com, type in your postal code to access details. Visit your MP’s own website (Google their name) to discover more about them. Ask at the local library, Police Station or Council if you do not use a computer.
Decide how to get in touch Letter. Your MP will take handwritten correspondence seriously. Use your own words wherever possible but quote from a document (e.g. CARE briefing) if that helps your argument. Sign off with something that expects a response. (e.g. ‘looking forward to your reply’) Email. The easiest way to send your MP an email is by using www.writetothem.com – remembering that he or she receives hundreds of emails every day. You might receive a brief reply and you can then keep the conversation and questions going by this means. Please don’t overdo this! Tweet. Your MP may be on Twitter and keen to show how responsive he/she is. If you are a regular user mention their name at the beginning of the tweet before asking your question. You can include a link to a briefing webpage in the tweet. Remember these are public conversations - so please be careful! Find out if your MP is on Twitter at www.tweetminster.co.uk/mps Visit. Your MP probably holds a weekly constituency surgery with 20 minute appointments. You can arrange one with the constituency office. Have notes or a briefing paper with you. It is perfectly acceptable to take a friend or two, although you don’t want to intimidate your MP. Always thank them for their time and hard work.
Always be polite and positive Your MP may have been given a very hard time from constituents so it is important to be positive about their role, appreciating the responsibilities they carry. In being effective light and salt try always to be an encouragement. Recognise the pressures that they are under, they will respond well to points being made clearly and graciously and hopefully respond in the same manner. Your MP may not agree with you now but you can be in touch in the future about other issues.
Pray regularly for you MP and his or her family: ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour.’ 1 Timothy 2:1-3 CARE 53 Romney Street London SW1P 3RF | T:020 7233 0455 | mail@care.org.uk | www.care.org.uk Charity number 1066963 | Scottish Charity SC093811