Back in January, SLA sent a letter to all members in the United States. Signed by the presidents of four major U.S. library associations, the letter urged U.S. members to write, call, or even meet with their elected representatives in Congress and ask for their public support of digital copyright legislation that is library- and information user-friendly. (You can view a copy of this letter by browsing the January Government Relations Update on the SLA Web site.)

While we here at headquarters are definitely "fired up" about the possibilities of gaining clout with governments through grassroots communications, I have been thinking about ideas for maximizing our contact with legislators. First and foremost on my agenda is to find ways to convince more SLA members to write to their elected officials and actually BELIEVE that what they are doing is going to have some impact. This is certainly one of the most imposing hurdles in our efforts to become a major player concerning information policy.

Let me assure you that, if one resides in a democratic nation and votes, one possesses more power than one probably assumes. National legislators may not always show it, but constituent mail definitely draws attention. Multiple letters on one issue will buy more attention for that issue. A flood of letters is guaranteed to push a legislator's buttons.

Letter-writing, especially in a personal manner on a troubling issue, captures the essence of that issue, sometimes more than face-to-face contact. Think about it in your own environment: if you received a handwritten letter from someone who wanted to express thanks, concern, or anger, you would probably take it to heart. Compared with a phone call (assuming it's from someone you don't know very well), a letter gives the reader the impression that the author is truly desirous of communicating thoughts in an organized manner.

Ah, but you're probably saying, "Prove it to me!" Here's one example:

In 1993, President Clinton's health care legislation was being considered in Congress. Committees were holding hearings and considering alternatives for various portions of the bill. During the summer of that year, the future of the bill was in serious doubt. A committee vote was to be held after the August recess, when legislators returned to Washington from time off in their home states.

A powerful U.S. small business organization sprung into action, mobilizing its membership in the congressional districts represented by members of the committee that would be voting on the bill. The organization urged its members to contact their representative and demand a vote against the legislation, because it was bad for small business. Members of the organization were provided with the details of the legislation and were asked to write a letter--in their own words--calling for the bill to be defeated.

Upon returning from recess, the committee held its vote. Several legislators announced that they had been overwhelmed by a flood of letters from the small business community regarding the legislation. They stated that they could not support the legislation, given the level of opposition in their districts. Because of that vote, the bill died.

The fact that most of the letters were personally written--as opposed to form letters signed by constituents--probably spelled the difference between success and failure on the matter (although the sheer volume of mail probably didn't hurt either). And it speaks volumes about the true impact we can all have on government activities, no matter where we live.

Our job here at headquarters is to represent the profession's needs and concerns on information policy. But we can't succeed--and Congress probably won't act with your needs and concerns in mind--unless YOU take action. A decision made by Congress on an issue--digital copyright, for instance--will directly impact your career and your organization. Doesn't it make sense for legislators to hear what you have to say on such issues?

So, I challenge you, as a member of the Special Libraries Association--THE international association for information professionals--with this question: Have you written to your legislators this month? If you haven't, you've probably wasted a valuable commodity, and someone else will most likely profit from your inactivity. Take the time to do it regularly for yourself, your community, your nation, and for your profession. You won't regret it!

For more information on "Government Relations Outlook," or to contribute to the column, please contact Director, Government Relations John Crosby at: 1-202-234-4700 ext.629; fax: 1-202-265-9317; e-mail: john-c@sla.org.