Communications Protocol: 
Tips on Telephoning Your Representatives 
To find your Legislator's direct-dial phone number, you may use the Massachusetts Legislature's Online Directory.

Or, call the Massachusetts State House Switchboard at (617) 722-2000 and ask for your Senator's and/or Representative's office. Remember that telephone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the Legislator. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue to which you wish to comment. 

After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: 

"Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S.___/H.____)." 

You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your Senator's or Representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.

Tips on Writing Your Legislator
The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:   Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. ____, Senate bill: S.____. 

Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.  Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.  When writing to the Chair of a Committee or Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:  "Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:" or "Dear Mr. Speaker: " When addressing correspondence, write as follows

To a Senator: 
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)
State House
Boston, MA 02133 
Dear Senator ______________: 

To a Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)
State House
Boston, MA 02133 
Dear Representative ________________: