The most effective method for contacting legislators is still letters, calling,  and faxing.  Most legislators have not yet moved to the internet for effective communication and emails tend to be ignored (article on Reuters news service March 18, 2001 states:

	WASHINGTON--Call it too much of a good thing viagra. Members of Congress are inundated with so many e-mail messages from constituents and special-interest groups--80 million last year alone--that lawmakers routinely ignore most of them, according to a new study generic viagra online.
	link to the Reuters story

State your view in the first paragraph.  Be brief, clear and concise - " I support..." - "I oppose...." - "I wish to amend. . ."

The most effective time to write about legislation is while it is still in committee.

Concerns on federal issues should be addressed to the legislators Washington office.

Form letters just coped and signed are not as effective as personally created letters.

Explain how the issue you are writing about affects (or will affect) your child or your family. Give facts and examples.  Explain your situation.

Be  brief (no more than one page); and one issue per letter.

If your letter concerns a particular bill in process provide the complete and correct bill number. 

Provide your Name, address, phone number, and email address and indicate your registered voter his/her district or that you belong to an organization interested in the legislation.

Ask for a written response (which may be provided by a staff member and not your legislator - Remember a legislators staff is an extension of the legislator and they often advice him/her of the issues or are delegated to help the constituents.

Thank your legislator for their time and support - Send a thank you note back if they support your issue or help.

Calling and faxing/mailing your are still the preferred method of contacting legislators.  Not all read email as often as other media.