Advocacy Resources for House Resolution 55
Thank you for your support of House Resolution 55! Below are resources that you can use to advocate for this important resolution.
Where do I get started?
Get started by reading our Action Alert and learning about House Resolution 55, why it's important for the PWS community, and what you can do to help. Here are two major ways that you can advocate for H. Res. 55.
1) SETTING UP A VISIT TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE'S DISTRICT OFFICE
What Materials will I Need?
Sample "Request for a Meeting" Letter - This letter gives your Representative a brief explanation of PWS and H. Res. 55 and asks him or her to sign on as a cosponsor. We encourage you to use this letter as a guide in writing your own letter explaining your experiences with PWS and how this resolution will make a difference in the lives of those with PWS. Please include personal examples, if appropriate, of how increased awareness of PWS might help your loved one. And don't forget to include a few sentences about the effect that PWS has on your life and the lives of your family!
"Dear Colleague" Letter - This important letter was written by Congressman Royce and Congresswoman Harman and asks their fellow Representatives to cosponsor H. Res. 55.
Talking points for H. Res. 55 - These talking points will guide you in discussing H. Res. 55 with your Representative and his or her staff at your meeting. Look them over before your meeting and take them along with you to ensure that you are prepared to discuss the importance of H. Res. 55 to you and to the PWS community. Remember that you are asking your Representative to sign on as a co-sponsor of the resolution.
Leave-behind information about PWS and House Resolution 55: This document provides information about PWS, the FPWR, and House Resolution 55. Along with the "Dear Colleague" letter, you will leave this document with your Representative or his/her staff at the conclusion of your meeting.
What do I do next?
Now that you are familiar with House Resolution 55 and have your letters and talking points in hand, it's time to schedule an in-person meeting with your Representative or his/her staff at their district office. Click here to find your representative. You will need your entire zip code, including your 4-digit extension.
Tips for your congressional meeting:
How do I know if my Representative has already signed on as a cosponsor of H. Res. 55?
Click here to find an up-to-date list of sponsors.
How do I follow up with my Representative?
Send a thank you e-mail to your Representative and/or their staff immediately after your visit. If you don't hear back from them after two weeks, send a follow-up email again asking for co-sponsorship of H. Res. 55. Please cc Tory Thoet at the FPWR on all congressional e-mails (tthoet@epiphanyproductions.com).
2) E-MAILING YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
How do I get my representative's e-mail address?
Click here to find your representative. You will need your entire zip code, including your 4-digit extension.
What materials do I need?
Personal e-mail asking for co-sponsorship of H. Res. 55 - A sample e-mail can be found here. However, we encourage you to write from the heart! A personal story is the most effective tool in conveying the importance of H. Res. 55 to your Representative. In addition to your personal story, your e-mail should include the following points:
- Brief explanation of H. Res. 55;
- A few lines about PWS and how it impacts your child;
- Why increasing awareness of PWS is important to you;
- Ask your Congressman to cosponsor H. Res. 55 by contacting Congressman Ed Royce or Congresswoman Jane Harman.
"Dear Colleague" Letter - This important letter was written by Congressman Royce and Congresswoman Harman and asks their fellow Representatives to cosponsor H. Res. 55. Please attach this letter to your e-mail.
Leave-behind information about PWS and House Resolution 55: This document provides information about PWS, the FPWR, and House Resolution 55. Please attach this document to your e-mail.
What do I do next?
Send your e-mail! Then ask friends and family to do the same. Forward a link to this page to people on your e-mail list and on your social networks. Please cc Tory Thoet at the FPWR on all congressional e-mails (tthoet@epiphanyproductions.com).
How do I follow up with my Representative?
Send a follow-up email to your Representative's office 2 weeks after your first e-mail. Don't hesitate to follow both e-mails with a personal phone call to the office as well.
Thank you for making your voice heard! Every letter, every meeting and every phone call brings us one step closer to the passage of H. Res. 55! By working together, we can ensure a brighter future for all people with PWS!
