Dreamers, we have just begun 2009: a year already full of monumental changes and exuberance.
Things are looking very ripe for the Dream Act. Newly elected President Barrack Obama, a compassionate man, with an uncanny eloquence to woo and persuade the most stubborn of minds, has openly supported the Dream Act. Change is openly sought out: the American people are tired of the failing tactics of the administrations of the past and are ready to take a new direction- a course of unity, understanding, humility and humanity.
But as Level and optimistic as our footing might be, we still very much walk an uphill road. Xenophobes and racists of all kinds spew their intolerant rhetoric every day. As ready for innovation as people of America are, immigration related matters are still tipsy subjects. A view of opposing forums and sites show an alarming amount of coherence and hatred.
We must act now.
But Dreamers, before we talk of these ambitious rallies and meetings, we must all first do the most fundamental yet effective task- contacting senators. Send a letter, forward a fax, convey an E-mail- whatever the method might be, let us remind these congressmen and women of our passionate yet simple dream. Senators are badgered by anti-dream gobbles every day at the office. If we do not let our cries be heard, they will forget.
As humble and lackluster as this work might sound opposed to the excitement of a public assembly, it is a stride that we must all take before leaping into larger action.
So grab a pen, open up a word processor- let us take our movement one step at a time.
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Things to Consider
Here are some things to consider before writing a letter to a senator. Most of these things will probably be pretty obvious to you guys. But have a read anyway.
1. Remember, think of the letter as a persuasion. Don’t write anything that will offend the senator or make them think negatively towards the Dream Act. Be careful of your word choice.
2.
Proofread your work several times. We need to convey our yearning for the Dream Act. If there are spelling mistakes all over the essay, it doesn’t say much about our effort.
3. The way you should label your letter is as follows:
The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
You might want to write different types of letters to different senators. For example, I personally wrote 3 different types. One letter is for all the new senators and for those senators that voted no on the Dream Act in 2007. It is more wary and conscientious in words than my other two. My second letter is for all the senators that voted yes on the dream act. I start with a hearty sincere thank you and goes on to ask for continual support. My third letter is a special thank you letter for Senator Durbin, Hagel and Lugar for bringing up the Dream Act.
I am also going to write couple letters by hand opposed to printing them out for the extra personal touch. They will go to Senator Durbin, Hagel, Lugar, the new senators, and the senators that did not vote in 2007. I have specially marked the nay voters, yes voters, and senators that did not vote (for various reasons) in the list below. Do you feel Senator X, who has voted nay in the past is persuadable this year? Do you feel Senator Y needs to take priority? Suggestions are all welcomed!
I have spoken to couple organizations and senate secretaries and they have told me that sending in a letter is the most effective way to get in touch with the senators. So relaying messages through letters are the best, BUT if you cannot do so for some reason, any other method is fine as long as we all try. Lets just all make the effort.