How to address a congressperson in a letter

Required Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity:

· Textbook: Whitman Cobb, W. N. (2020). Political science today (1st ed.). Washington, DC: Sage, CQ Press.

· Minimum of 4 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook)

Instructions You are a lobbyist for an issue that you find important. For example, you would like to see the banning of smoking in federal buildings (Note: This policy has already been enacted.) You are going to make an informational pamphlet to highlight your points to prominent members of Congress. Research members of Congress that you will target in your lobbying. Explain why these members are critical to your goal. Make a plan of action and produce a pamphlet supporting your cause. Who will you be reaching out to? Why? Write a cover letter to a Congressional member and include your reasoning for reaching out to them in particular in the letter. Remember a lobbyist is only as good as the information they provide. A lobbyist who provides incomplete or unreliable information will soon be unemployed or lose access to officials.

Cover letter should:

· Follow a standard business format

· Correctly address your Congressperson

· Use the correct postal address

· Explain your choice to write to this representative in particular, and provide your pamphlet. For example, maybe your research showed that this representative sponsored legislation on this issue in the past.

Pamphlet should:

· Define the problem. Tells us exactly what the problem is. Detail its urgency and provide data. Be objective.

· Analyze the problem. Provide relevant data. Tell us how to make sense of the data. Provide any findings

· Offer a recommendation. Do not generalize. Be specific.

· Must be persuasive.

· Cite four scholarly sources

Submit your cover letter and pamphlet for grading.

Writing Requirements (APA format).

· Length: Cover letter to Congressman should be only 1 page

· Pamphlet should be 5 pages in length

· 1-inch margins

· 12-point Times New Roman font

· Reference page (minimum of 4 scholarly sources)

Grading This activity will be graded based on the Assignment Grading Rubric.

Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFollows a standard business format, correctly address congressperson, and, uses the correct postal address.

10.0 pts

The student follows a standard business format, correctly addresses congressperson, and uses correct postal address.

10.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplains choice to write to this representative

15.0 pts

The student identifies and provides solid reasoning for writing this representative with evidence cited.

15.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePamphlet defines the problem

40.0 pts

The student defines the problem clearly and objectively with good detail and evidence.

40.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePamphlet analyzes the problem

40.0 pts

The student analyzes the problem clearly and objectively, and presents data and findings well.

40.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePamphlet recommendation

40.0 pts

The student offers a specific, detailed, persuasive recommendation.

40.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA/Sources

15.0 pts

The assignment is referenced and formatted according to APA standards and four additional scholarly sources are provided.

15.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting

15.0 pts

The student presents information using clear and concise language in an organized manner (minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation).

10.0 pts

The student presents information using understandable language, but is somewhat disorganized (some errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation).

5.0 pts

The student presents information using understandable language but is very disorganized (many errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation).

0.0 pts

The student presents information that is not clear, logical, professional or organized to the point that the reader has difficulty understanding the message (numerous errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and/or punctuation).

15.0 pts

Total Points: 175.0

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