Susan Conger has prepared this "how-to" which explains to the overseer of the monthly letter-writing effort, how to do it. It will be occasionally updated as necessary.

-----------

1. The topic: These days we usually select a topic suggested by FCNL. To do this, go to http://www. fcnl.org, and click on the "Take Action" button near the top of the page. Then choose "Latest Action Alert." If that topic doesn't seem appropriate for some reason, there are typically half a dozen or so actions on their website, so you can choose a different one.

2. Background info for letter-writers: FCNL provides info/talking points on each of their issues. Select and print out some information for letter-writers to look over so that they feel at least a little informed. I suggest printing out 4 to 6 copies so that you can spread them out along the length of the table and everyone isn't attempting to look at one piece of paper. Then make sure you remember to bring these pages on Sunday. :-)

2a. [September 2012 update] It's been suggested that we also prepare slips of paper showing the email address(es) of the recipient(s) of the letter, and make those available to Friends who don't get a letter written at the meetinghouse but who think they might compose and send an email message from home.

3. Announcement: Someone needs to announce (during announcement time) that it is letter-writing Sunday, and give a thumbnail sketch of the topic. Usually it makes most sense to have that month's letter-writing coordinator give the announcement.

4. Physical set-up: Set up a table. The folding tables are stored under the counter by the kitchen window in the fellowship room. Another person will materialize and help you (or you can directly ask someone to do so). Set up folding chairs. Get out letter-writing materials, which are stored in the small cupboard that is on your right as you enter the fellowship room from the hallway. There are pens, postcards, blank paper for faxes, sheets with the mailing addresses of Congresspeople.

5. On Sundays when Roger is present, he takes the letters home and faxes them. On those occasions, we have people write on the blank white paper, and it is not necessary to include the mailing address of the recipient. If Roger is not present, use postcards -- which of course means that the letter-writers need to address the postcard. Someone from the committee needs to take all the completed postcards and actually mail them.

6. Even though you have printed out info, people will usually first say "What's the topic?" and then "What do we say?" I answer both questions briefly and then refer them to the printed info page for more info. You will have to do this over and over (for different people). Encourage people to sign their letters with their address in addition to their name.

7. Put everything away again. If Roger is faxing the letters, make sure the completed pile of letters gets to him or is put someplace he can't miss it (such as in his car!).

8. [March 2013 update] Remember those info sheets you prepared? (step 2 above)

a. Send a copy (preferably electronic) to Roger, who will post it on Mt. Toby's website
b. Send a copy to the Mt. Toby newsletter editor ([email protected])
c. Post a paper copy on the P&SC bulletin board, under the letter-writing header (replace previous topic)