National Write to Congress Day is an annual observance that encourages American citizens to exercise their democratic rights by communicating with their elected representatives in Congress.
Quick Facts
- When is it: January 3rd annually
- Tagged as: Civic engagement, Democracy, Political participation
- What’s the hashtag: #WriteToCongressDay
- When was it founded: December 30, 2005
- Who founded it: Congressman Brian Higgins of New York
History of National Write to Congress Day
The day was popularized through a blog post by Congressman Brian Higgins, who emphasized the importance of constituent correspondence in democratic participation. He considered letters, emails, and phone calls as essential components of democracy, receiving approximately 600 constituent messages weekly at the time.
Timeline
- 1789: Congress established in New York
- 1800: Capitol moved to Washington D.C.
- 1814: British forces burned the Capitol
- 1912: Congressional service became a full-time occupation
- 2005: Day officially recognized by Congressman Higgins
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January | 3 | Friday |
| 2026 | January | 3 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January | 3 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January | 3 | Monday |
| 2029 | January | 3 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
Citizens write to their representatives about issues affecting their communities, from healthcare to immigration policy. Communication can be through email, phone calls, or letters, with email being the preferred method due to security screening delays for postal mail.
Fun Facts About Congress
- Congress is bicameral with the Senate and House of Representatives
- Each state has Senate representation
- House representatives are elected based on population
- The First U.S. Congress formed government departments and passed the Bill of Rights
Quiz
- When was Congress first established?
- How many pieces of mail did Congress members receive annually in 2005?
- What city was the first location of Congress?
(Answers: 1. 1789, 2. 86.9 pieces, 3. New York)
FAQs
How should I address a Congress member?
Use “The Honorable” or “Congressman/Congresswoman” followed by their last name.
What should I write about?
Focus on specific issues affecting you, your family, or community, including bill numbers when relevant.
Importance of Writing to Congress
- Demonstrates active citizenship
- Helps hold representatives accountable
- Ensures citizen voices are heard
- Contributes to functioning democracy
- Educates representatives on constituent concerns
Related Topics
- U.S. Constitution
- Democratic Process
- Civic Engagement
- Political Participation
- Government Communication