With election day two weeks away, many of us have been focused on that day. But what happens when the release of the official results comes in and our candidates either won or lost. What do we do now? Do we say hooray/boo and go about our day?
This is the most challenging idea about being a part of our democracy and wanting to see the change in your community, we must work with these elected officials, who your neighbors thought would represent them best - this may have not been your candidate.
When communities/neighborhoods elect officials, we want them to be champions for us. All of us! They may know about many issues that affect their constituents and they may be experts in some areas. However, I can guarantee they are not experts in all areas, nor do they know about the issues that are important to you!
I suggest you take a moment and craft personalized emails to all your elected officials. Especially, the ones that just won their race and you did or did not vote for them.
I have provided a sample email. Please feel free to copy, paste, and fill in the email. This email is just to be the first step in an open dialogue with your elected officials and to let them know you will be contacting them in the future.
Letter:
Dear [insert elected official’s name],
I am a constituent of yours and an American Heart Association (AHA) advocate. I am writing to congratulate you on being elected to your office. I would like to let you know that I am looking forward to seeing how you represent us. As an advocate for AHA, there are several policies and issues that I would like to see moved forward at the start of the new year. I would like to see us progress on issues like [choose two issues that are important to you. Like: State Elected Officials- Water Access or Health School Meals in schools, Including more funding for healthy fruits and vegetables in SNAP funding, Raising Tobacco Tax or Fund Education Programs on the harms of tobacco and helping folks quit smoking. Federal elected officials – Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act.]
Please let me know if you like any additional information about these issues. I look forward to working together in the future.
With heart,
Your Full Name
Address/Phone/Email
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