Follow these guidelines to create a positive impact with your letter: Address your elected officials properly ("The Honorable," "Congressman or Congresswoman," and "Representative" are all acceptable) Be concise -- only address one topic per letter and identify it in the first paragraph. Be courteous and reasonable. Show respect for your elected representative, even when you disagree with them. Rude letters usually hit the wastebasket faster than you can say "recycle." Identify legislation by bill numbers and sponsors whenever possible. Include your postal address. By including your postal address, your Representative will know that you are a constituent. Don't know which Congressional district you live in? Find out now by entering your zip code into The Zipper or by calling the Federal Information Center at (800) 688-9889.