J. Michael Smith, Esq. President Michael P. Farris, JD, LLM Chairman

August is here, and members of Congress are heading home for a month in their districts. This is a great opportunity to express your gratitude or frustration and bring up your concerns to the leaders representing you. Congress has dedicated this time to listening to the voice of the people and getting a renewed sense of what the country wants.

You have probably heard the saying, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Congress needs to hear from voters. Without our voice, they will have no radar, no compass to guide them. We must stay vigilant in keeping Congress headed in the right direction, even if it looks like they have been blown way off course.

We must remind members of Congress why they are there and encourage and support those who have been tirelessly fighting for our freedom.

It is part of our duty as Americans to elect representatives who will protect our freedoms. August is a perfect time to find out exactly where your members of Congress stand on issues that are important to you before they head back to Washington, D.C., and face the battle against encroaching government programs that will most likely continue in September.

We have compiled the information below to help you meet with your elected officials in your community and to help you confidently express your views.

If you have any questions or want some additional information, please contact the staff at HSLDA’s Federal Relations Department at federalrelations@hslda.org or 540-338-5600.

Great Ways to Let Your Voice be Heard

• Schedule a meeting with your elected officials in their district offices.
• Read “Ten Tips for Visiting a Congressman”.
• Go to a town hall meeting in your area.
• Call a district office or keep checking your elected officials’ websites to see when they are hosting an event.
• Visit the U.S. Senate website
• Visit the U.S. House of Representatives website
• Call, email, or write to your district office and let them know your thoughts.

To find the contact information for your U.S. senators and U.S. representative, please use HSLDA’s Legislative Toolbox (once you click on your members of Congress, go to “more district offices” to find the office closest to you).

For a little more background information on the issues that have affected homeschoolers in this Congress, please see the following links.

Other Resources

Parental Rights Amendment

The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child

Homeschool Issues in 112th Congress

American Community Survey