10
Things You Can Do
10 ways you can help bring high-speed
rail to the Midwest:
1. Join
Us! - The larger our organization is,
the more impact our message has! The Midwest High Speed Rail
Association currently has a membership base of 500+. Also,
help us get new members. The more members our group has, the
stronger our voice will be.
2. Vote! - Elected
leaders value a voter's opinion first.
3. Write your elected officials.
- Write your Congressman, both of your Senators, the President,
and your Governor. Letters aren't like votes; it is perfectly
legal to write early and often. Include a specific example
of how you currently use Amtrak or how you would use it if
service was expanded. Here are sample letters to your Senator
and Representatives and your Mayor.
Get your friends to write letters too. Information about your
elected officials is at www.vote-smart.org.
4. Talk to your representatives in
person.
• Campaign Events: Make plans to attend as
many campaign events as possible. During the public comment period
ask for increased rail funding. Asking the question in public
has several benefits. First, the candidate hears the question
directly, not filtered through staff. Second, the press hears
the question, raising their awareness. Third, you may encourage
others in the audience to help.
• Office Visits: Call the office to
arrange an appointment. Gathering a group of several residents
of the district will increase the chances that you will see
the Representative personally. MHSR can attend the
meeting to provide support.
5. Get your mayor involved.
- Mayors pull a lot of weight in Congress. If you can persuade
your mayor to make better service to your city a high priority,
it will really help.
6. Write letters to the editor. -
Letters to the editor are an excellent way to gain visibility.
Use any related story as a reason to write a brief letter
calling for increased rail funding. Here is a sample
letter to the editor.
7. Attend and speak at public meetings
- Does it matter if your opinion is heard?
Absolutely! Midwest High Speed Rail Association members had
an impact at Illinois
hearings in July 2000.
8. Get a resolution passed. -
When it passes, send a copy to the Congressman and Senators
for that district. Send another copy to the local newspapers.
Please send us a copy as well.
9. Schedule Community Meetings. -
The Association can deliver or assist with a presentation.
10. Spread the Word
- Tell your family, friends, and work associates about the
benefits of Advanced Rail Service.
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