By Andrew Horn of Amherst, NH
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I was speaking to a friend about a bill that he was afraid might pass in the State House, and I offered to write him an email template for drumming up grassroots opposition. I realized that this information is not widely known, so I decided to make a generic version so that anyone can put together a template that might influence politics in Concord.
I think it’s so important that anyone could theoretically build a grassroots movement to influence legislation. Please spread this around.
You can always keep up-to-date about what bills are coming up for a hearing by checking the current House Calendar and Senate Calendar. You can also check the House online meeting schedule and the Senate online meeting schedule, but you’ll have to click the individual links to see which bills are up for hearing.
Email Template #1: House of Representatives
Subject: URGENT: Your Voice is Needed on [Bill Name/Number]
Dear [Friends/Neighbors/Community Members],
I’m writing to let you know about an important piece of legislation, [Bill Name/Number], that will be heard in the New Hampshire House of Representatives soon. We need to ensure our voices are heard—whether we support or oppose this bill—so that our elected officials understand the impact of their votes on our communities.
1. Attend the Hearing In-Person (If Possible)
Date & Time: [Insert Hearing Date and Time]
Location: Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Room [Insert Room Number], 33 N State St, Concord, NH 03301
(Google Maps link)
or the State House (SH) in Room [Insert Room Number], 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301
(Google Maps link)Parking:
Your physical presence and testimony can make a major impact. If you can attend the hearing, please arrive early to sign in and indicate whether you support or oppose the bill.
2. Submit Online Testimony
If you cannot attend, you can still have your voice heard by submitting written testimony through the House’s remote testimony portal:
House Remote Testimony Link: https://gc.nh.gov/house/committees/remotetestimony/
When submitting testimony, be sure to include reasons why you support or oppose the bill. A personal touch (e.g., personal stories or specific impacts on you/your family/your community) is especially powerful.
3. Email or Call House Committee Members/Representatives
Copy this comma-separated list of email addresses (and/or phone numbers) to easily paste into your email:
[[email protected],[email protected],[email protected], ...]
In your message, briefly explain why you support or oppose [Bill Name/Number], and politely urge representatives to vote accordingly.
4. Spread the Word
Forward this email to friends and neighbors, or post on social media. Every voice matters!
Thank you for taking quick action to ensure that [Bill Name/Number] is handled responsibly. Our representatives need to know where we stand, and your advocacy can make a real difference.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization, if applicable]
[Your Contact Information]
Email Template #2: Senate
Subject: URGENT: Take Action on [Bill Name/Number] in the NH Senate
Dear [Friends/Neighbors/Community Members],
An important bill, [Bill Name/Number], is moving through the New Hampshire Senate, and your voice is crucial. Below are quick steps you can take to support or oppose this bill.
1. Attend the Hearing In-Person (If Possible)
Date & Time: [Insert Hearing Date and Time]
Location: Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Room [Insert Room Number], 33 N State St, Concord, NH 03301
(Google Maps link)
or the State House (SH) in Room [Insert Room Number], 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301
(Google Maps link)Parking:
Your physical presence and testimony can make a major impact. If you can attend the hearing, please arrive early to sign in and indicate whether you support or oppose the bill.
2. Submit Online Testimony (Deadline!)
If you cannot attend, or even if you can but want to submit written comments, please use the Senate’s remote submission portal:
Senate Remote Testimony Link: https://gc.nh.gov/remotecommittee/senate.aspx
Important: Testimony must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the day of the hearing or it will not be counted.
3. Email or Call Senators
Copy this comma-separated list of Senate email addresses (and/or phone numbers) to paste into your email quickly:
[[email protected],[email protected],[email protected], ...]
Be clear and concise: Explain why you support or oppose [Bill Name/Number] and politely request that they vote in alignment with your position.
4. Encourage Others to Act
Please share this email with friends, family, and social media groups. The more voices we have, the more likely we can influence a positive outcome for our community.
Thank you for standing up and making your voice heard on [Bill Name/Number]. Every letter, email, and testimony makes a difference.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization, if applicable]
[Your Contact Information]