Write A Letter To Congress! Every Voice Counts.

Maybe you're not old enough to vote, but you can still let public officials know your opinions. A "public official" is someone who makes decisions in government. A public official may be a mayor, governor, senator, congressperson, or even the President of the United States.

The United States Government makes many decisions that affect animals each year. For example, laws have been passed that increase the punishment for anyone who is convicted of cruelty to animals. Some places have even outlawed live exotic animal acts and greyhound racing.

The public officials who pass these laws represent kids as well as adults. They need to know how you feel about animal issues in order to make the right decisions. If you'd like to tell a public official how you feel, you can write them a letter. Who knows, they might even write you back!

Ask your parents or a teacher to help you find the names and addresses of the officials who represent you (pssst! Tell them to visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center or Congress.org) and you will be ready to let your officials know how you feel.

When you write your letter, remember to include the following information:

• Explain the issue you are writing about, and why it is important to you.
    
• Tell the public official whom you are writing to what you want them to do about the issue. Maybe you are urging them to pass a law, or maybe you want them to veto it.
    
• Don't forget to write "Thank you!" when you are at the end of your letter.
   
• Include your full name, age and complete address.

Remember, animals cannot speak for themselves—at least not in a language we understand—so we need to speak for them. Let the government know how you feel about anything you've read in our "Real Issues" section. You can make a difference, too!