Legislators are not mind readers and they certainly don’t know everything. They rely on you to contact them with your concerns and help educate them about issues so they can make informed decisions. Try to get in the habit of knowing who your elected officials are and how to contact them. Send letters with your concerns and thank you notes when appropriate (adding a picture or hand written note from your child adds a compelling touch).

You can also get involved in existing efforts such as the following:

SaferStates is a network of diverse environmental and health organizations in states around the country working to change national chemical policy by promoting state-based reforms to protect citizens from toxic threats. Some of these champions include:

• Californians for a Healthy and Green Economy (CHANGE)
• The Campaign for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut
• The Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine
• The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (Massachusetts)
• The Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health
• Healthy Legacy Coalition (Minnesota)
• The Just Green Partnership (New York)
• Toxic Free Legacy Coalition (Washington)

Find your state elected representatives. Project Vote Smart gives you not only contact information, but also voting records, latest speeches, campaign contributors, and more.

Make a quick call. Democracy only works if people get involved in politics and that means more than just voting. Oftentimes, it only takes 30 seconds to make your voice count. When bills you are interested in are being considered, take a moment to call your representatives and tell them whether you want them to vote for or against the bill. Find out what types of environmental health legislation are being proposed in your state by using the National Conference of State Legislators database.