Contact Your Legislators
Your voice matters! Learn how to effectively review
pending state legislation and contact your local representatives to
advocate for survivors and meaningful change.
Make Your Voice Heard
Follow these steps to effectively review state legislation and
reach out to your elected officials
Review Current Legislation
Begin by reviewing the current pending legislation that impacts survivors, offender releases, and related issues. Understanding the bills and their potential effects is the first step in effective advocacy.
Find Your Legislative District
Washington State has 49 legislative districts, each represented by one Senator and two Representatives. Use the District Finder tool to identify your district and representatives.
Finding your Legislative District
Enter your adress to find your legilative distict and representative.
Contact Your Representative
Begin by reviewing the current pending legislation that impacts survivors, offender releases, and related issues. Understanding the bills and their potential effects is the first step in effective advocacy.
Tips for Effective Communication
- Be clear and concise – State your position on the specific bill (including the bill number) at the beginning of your message.
- Be personal – Explain why this issue matters to you. Personal stories have a powerful impact.
- Be respectful – Even if you disagree with a legislator’s position, maintain a respectful tone.
- Be specific – Mention how the legislation would impact you, your family, or your community.
- Ask for a response – Request that they let you know their position on the issue.
Communicating Support
Here are three sample advocacy messages supporting SB 5665 that follow tips for Effective Communication.
Remember to make the personal:
Message 1: From a Survivor's Perspective
Dear Senator [Name],
I strongly support SB 5665 – Strengthening Child Sexual Abuse Reporting and Prevention, and urge you to vote YES on this crucial legislation.
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I understand firsthand the devastating impact that abuse has on children’s lives. For years, I carried the weight of my experience in silence because the adults in my life didn’t recognize the signs or know how to respond. This bill would strengthen reporting requirements and provide better training for adults who work with children, potentially saving others from experiencing what I did.
The improved reporting mechanisms in SB 5665 would have made a profound difference in my childhood. Early intervention could have shortened my trauma and accelerated my healing journey. Every day that passes without these protections puts more Washington children at risk.
I respectfully ask that you support this bill and let me know your position on this issue. Our children deserve the strongest possible protections from sexual abuse.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Message 2: From a Parent's Perspective
Dear Representative [Name],
I am writing to express my strong support for SB 5665 – Strengthening Child Sexual Abuse Reporting and Prevention.
As the parent of two elementary school children in your district, nothing matters more to me than their safety. When I drop them off at school each morning, I trust they are protected by a system designed to identify and address potential harm. This bill would strengthen that system by improving reporting requirements and enhancing prevention training.
My volunteer work with our school’s PTA has shown me that many well-meaning adults simply don’t know how to recognize the warning signs of abuse or what to do when they suspect it. SB 5665 would provide crucial training and create clearer protocols for reporting, directly benefiting families like mine in our community.
I would appreciate knowing your position on this important legislation. Our children’s safety transcends political differences, and I hope we can count on your support.
Respectfully, [Your Name]
Message 3: From a Professional's Perspective
Dear Senator [Name],
I am writing to urge your support for SB 5665 – Strengthening Child Sexual Abuse Reporting and Prevention, legislation that would significantly improve our state’s response to child sexual abuse.
As a [teacher/healthcare provider/childcare worker/social worker] in your district for the past [X] years, I’ve witnessed the gaps in our current reporting system. Too often, suspected abuse falls through the cracks because of unclear protocols or insufficient training. SB 5665 addresses these critical issues by strengthening reporting requirements and enhancing prevention education.
Just last year, I encountered a situation where a colleague was unsure about their reporting obligations, resulting in delayed action for a child who needed immediate help. The clarified responsibilities and improved training provided by this bill would prevent such dangerous delays and ensure that more children receive timely intervention.
Could you please share your position on SB 5665? I and my colleagues are deeply invested in this issue and are eager to know where you stand.
Thank you for your service to our community, [Your Name]
Communicating Opposition
Here are three sample advocacy messages Opposing HB 1390 that follow tips for Effective Communication.
Remember to make the personal:
Message 1: From a Survivor's Perspective
Dear Representative [Name],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1390 Repealing the community protection program. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I urge you to vote NO on this legislation.
My healing journey has been possible because of the strong protections and clear accountability measures currently in place. From my personal experience, I can tell you that the changes proposed in HB 1390 would have made my path to justice and healing significantly more difficult. When I came forward about my abuse years after it occurred, I needed a system that believed survivors and prioritized our safety.
The provisions in HB 1390 that weaken notification requirements and reduce monitoring of offenders would create unnecessary risks for vulnerable individuals in our communities. I fear that passing this bill would silence survivors like me who already face tremendous obstacles in coming forward.
I respectfully request that you oppose HB 1390 and would appreciate knowing your position on this important issue that deeply affects survivors like me throughout Washington State.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Message 2: From a Parent's Perspective
Dear Senator [Name],
I strongly oppose HB 1390 Repealing the community protection program. and am writing to urge you to vote NO on this concerning legislation.
As a parent of three children in your district, my family’s safety is my highest priority. The proposed changes in HB 1390 would significantly weaken the protections that help me keep my children safe. I volunteer with our local school’s safety committee, and I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to maintain strong monitoring and transparent notification systems regarding offenders in our community.
One of the most troubling aspects of this bill is how it would reduce community notification requirements, making it harder for parents like me to make informed decisions about our children’s safety. Our current system, while not perfect, provides essential information that helps me protect my family. HB 1390 would undermine these crucial safeguards.
I would appreciate knowing your position on HB 1390. This issue transcends political lines – it’s about protecting our most vulnerable citizens. Please stand with concerned parents by opposing this bill.
Respectfully, [Your Name]
Message 3: From a Professional's Perspective
Dear Senator [Name],
I am writing to express my professional opposition to HB 1390 Repealing the community protection program and urge you to vote NO on this legislation.
As a [social worker/counselor/educator/law enforcement officer] with [X] years of experience working with survivors of sexual abuse in your district, I have serious concerns about the changes proposed in this bill. My work has shown me that strong accountability measures and transparent notification systems are essential to both survivor healing and community safety.
The provisions in HB 1390 that would reduce monitoring requirements and limit notification protocols directly contradict best practices in our field. Just last month, I worked with a family who relied on our current notification system to make informed safety decisions. If the changes in HB 1390 had been in place, this family would have been left without critical information they needed to protect themselves.
Could you please share your position on HB 1390? My colleagues and I are deeply concerned about the potential negative impact of this legislation on the communities we serve.
Thank you for your consideration, [Your Name]