How to Contact Your Legislators as a Private Citizen
Pursuant to the SAR Handbook, Vol. III “Requirements for Maintaining Tax Exemption” (8/15/23, p.22) members are restricted from lobbying. However, issues may arise when locally, statewide, or even nationally, we, as members of a hereditary organization, may reach out to our legislators as individual citizens. To reiterate, members cannot take and contact “Congress, any state legislature, any local council, or similar governing body, with respect to acts, bills, resolutions, or similar items (such as legislative confirmation of appointive office), or by the public in referendum, ballot initiative, constitutional amendment, or similar procedure.” Influencing legislation includes any act by the organization contacting or urging the public to contact members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation or if the organization advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation.” However, your rights as a private citizen, are to communicate your opinions and ideas to your legislators. The following information is meant to be a guide only. Any specific questions on any actions you may take should be discussed with your state, or chapter president, or the State Society Chancellor.
SAR members may collectively “conduct educational meetings, prepare and distribute educational materials, or otherwise educationally consider public policy issues without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, these activities must be careful to not cross the line into “influencing legislation.” Any State Society or Chapter wishing to engage in lobbying activities should consult with legal counsel and/or a tax professional prior to beginning lobbying activities or efforts to influence legislation.
If you want to reach out to your legislators as a private citizen, here are the steps to take:
Click onto this Legislative Roster Link This is where you can identify your state senator and assembly members. Simply use the drop down menu in the upper right to identify your municipality. When you get the list of your representatives...
Click on the envelope icon on the left column to be directed to their email form.
Under Legislators to Contact, Click all three boxes.
Subject drop-down box, select "Historic Preservation"
Under Affiliation or Relationship, DO NOT put that you are a member of the SAR. That would constitute an infraction of the SAR Handbook policy.
Under "Please Type Your Message" Subject, type a very specific headline of the issue
In the message box, type your message to your legislators of your personal support with the bill or issue.
Click hit the "Send button"