Sample Letter to Congress Member or Candidate
The Honorable [name of representative or senator]
U.S. House of Representatives/United States Senate
Washington, DC 20515[House]/290510[Senate]
Dear Representative/Senator [name]:
In October, members of more than 29,000 cooperative businesses across the country will mark their calendars for National Co-op Month.
On behalf of [name of local co-op], I’m pleased to invite you to attend our local celebration on [date of event] at [time of event] in our offices at [location]. We plan a [brief description of the nature of the event]. We would be honored to have you with us to learn more about [name of organization] and to help recognize the special nature and accomplishments of cooperatives nationwide.
The focus of Co-op Month observances this year is the set of values all cooperatives share. Honesty, openness, caring for others and social responsibility are values all cooperatives demonstrate through their practices and procedures. These values guide cooperatives worldwide; and in our own community, our cooperative demonstrates this through {ADD LOCAL EXAMPLE}.
When it comes to making economic and charitable contributions to their communities, co-ops are industry leaders, setting the bar high for others to meet. Co-ops provide 2 million jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the American economy. In addition, through cash contributions and volunteerism, co-ops support local causes ranging from education to the environment. They also invest in new community businesses.
This is not coincidence. As member-owned businesses, cooperatives have a different perspective from businesses owned by distant investors. The goal of a co-op is to serve its members. Doing so means serving the communities in which those members live and work. While investor-owned businesses also generate jobs and make charitable contributions, this is a critical part of what co-ops do and why they do it.
Cooperatives operate in virtually every industry and range in size from small storefronts to Fortune 500 companies. In [your state] more than [search by state in the Directory on the Co-op Month website] are open for business, serving their members and assisting their communities.
We will call your office soon to check on your availability to attend our event. In the meantime, if you or your staff have questions, we can be reached at [telephone number]. We look forward to seeing you on [date].
Sincerely,
[name]
[title]
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