*Note: The following is from our archived collection of older documents, and may not reflect the most current information.
To successfully implement this initiative, the association is asking for the input of its members to accurately convey the information industry’s position. SLA members are the best sources of information on what their roles should be in regard to government reorganization and the creation of the Homeland Security Agency. SLA members also have a grassroots understanding of what is happening in their own geographic area, area of specialization and interest. A massive membership write in, will help the federal government take notice. Lawmakers like hearing from the public, especially their constituents. This communication tool keeps them connected to the pulse of the people.
While input from one person can make a difference, correspondence from a large group lends credibility to the cause. We are asking the members to contact their representatives and write a series of letters outlining the need for information professionals to be part of the solution on integrating and exchanging information between the agencies. However, making your voice heard through the halls of congress and government may seem like a daunting task. The front of SLA's Homeland Security page contains links to the members of the Select Committee on Homeland Security as well as the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Your participation provides a great opportunity for SLA to enhance the future of the information profession by nudging our elected officials to take a look at our profession.
How to Write Congress
When writing your letters make sure to personalize them and to ask the representative or senator to forward your comments to the chairperson and ranking member of the committee and committee members (In this case it would be the Select Committee on Homeland Security). The name of the chairperson and each committee member is provided on the front of SLA's Homeland Security page.
When writing to a member of Congress it is a good idea to make your letter as personal as possible. It is important that your message reflects your personal views. It is also important that you write only to the representatives from your district and senators from your state. Because of the large number of voters and legislative measurers, members of Congress generally only respond to messages from constituents from their state or district. However, feel free to ask your representative or senator to forward your comments to other appropriate members, which can be named in your letter. If you are unsure about who your local representative is, or would like to get the address for a district office, go to the official House of Representatives or Senate Website. If you choose to write your representative/senator, please forward your comments to Doug Newcomb at SLA Headquarters. This will help us get a sense of what is important to you and to develop a common message for information professionals.
Unfortunately, mail service to the Hill is still extremely slow so constituents are starting to use more advanced technology to contact congresspersons. And congress is becoming more open to these forms of communication. For these reasons we recommend sending your comments/letter by either e-mail or fax. If you prefer to send a physical letter, you should mail it to one of your representative's local offices.
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