Communicating With Your Government

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or

of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Know Who You Need

Is your issue best handled by…..

The Federal Government?

The State?

The County?

Someone else entirely?

How Do I Know?Federal Government

www.thomas.gov

State Governmentwww.legislature.mi.gov

Other ResourcesGoogle

Give us a call Send us an emailWrite us a letter

Schedule an appointment to come see us

Another great way to get our attention….

Invite us to come see you!

It’s federal. So now what?

When calling in…

Which office should you call?

Have a clear goal in mind

We can best help those who help themselves

Be nice

When emailing…

Is it urgent?

Do you need a specific response?

www.levin.senate.gov

When writing a letter…

Send it to your local office

Be brief

Be original

Make an appointment?

Do you need one?

Is it the best use of your time?

Is it the best way to get the result you want?

Or…

Let us come to you!

It’s helpful for us to get an up-close look at what you do.

So What Can Your Senator’s Office Do For You?

Agency inquiryProvide a legislative updateNavigate the bureaucracy

Navigate the legislative process

And…

Help with funding resources

Appropriations

Difficult to obtain

Always specific

Not currently available

Grants/Loans

A competitive process

May require a local match

Not free money

How To Find Themwww.grants.gov www.cfda.gov

If you can’t find a grant program for which you are eligible, try partnering with another organization, or with your state or local

government.

And BE CREATIVE!!!!!!!

You may not find the perfect fit, but you may find some PARTIAL funding.

How We Can HelpWe’ll support your application.

And…

Don’t stop with us! You can often solicit these letters from as many federal, state, and local legislators as you like. The more the merrier!

How To Reach Us

Locally:Office of Senator Carl Levin

107 Cass, Suite ETraverse City, MI 49684

Ph: 231-947-9569Fx: 231-957-9518

DC:Office of Senator Carl Levin269 Russell Senate Office

BuildingWashington DC, 20510

Ph: 202-224-6221

THANKS FOR ATTENDING!!!