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How to Help

Take Action: FAQs

Got a question about how to use our Action Center? Check here first!

   You sent me an email -- I used to be able to take action, but now I can’t see the "take action" button and the place where I used to enter my information is gone. What happened?

You are using an older browser that is no longer supported by our Action Alert pages.

Our Action Alerts work with the following browsers:

  • Internet Explorer 5.5 (or later)
  • Netscape 7 (or later)
  • Firefox 1.0 (or later)
  • Opera 7.5 (or later)

You can still take action, however, by manually sending your comments to the public officials we specify in the alert, writing letters to the editor, or phoning decision-makers directly.

We know it's a frustrating problem, but if you use Compuserve or AOL, you can really help us by sending us some information.

   I know I signed up for the Center. How do I log in?

Just to the right of this FAQ there's a box labeled "Sign In To Earthjustice" Type in your email address then click "Login." The system will then ask for your password.

   Do I have to enter my name and address every time I take action?

No. When you're on an action page, just type in your email address where indicated, and click "Email this letter." Our system will figure out who you are. Note that the confirmation screen won't show your full address (for security reasons) but it will be inserted into the email (or fax) sent on your behalf.

   My address changed. How do I update my information?

Log in to the Center, then click "Edit" in the area called "Contact Information."

   I forgot my password to log in to the Center. What do I do?

When you log in, there's a small link labeled "Forgot your password?" right below where you'd type in your password. Click on this and new one will be emailed to you.

   Who are my Senators and Representatives?

To find out who represents you in Congress and your state legislature, just log into the Center (described above). They'll all be listed under "Elected Officials" and by clicking on any name, you can retrieve all the contact information.

   Why do I need to add a prefix to my name when taking an action? I prefer not to use one at all.

We understand that some people prefer not to use prefixes on there name. However, we need to collect prefixes, but please know that we do so only because most congressional targets for our advocacy alerts require a prefix for their email system.

   Why would I ever need to log in to the Center?

The Center keeps track of your personal information, your personal preferences, and all the actions you've participated in. So, if you need to update your address, tell us to send you HTML-type email, or see what actions you've taken, check it out!

   I take part in all the action alerts. What else can I do?

Try writing a letter to the editor of your local paper. The editorial page is one of the most important sections of any newspaper. More people read the "Letters to the Editor" section than many other portions of the newspaper. This is an ideal forum for conveying your message about environmental issues.

Editors of these newspapers wish to publish criticism, praise, or feedback to the stories and columns that have recently appeared. Editors are also looking for ideas and facts. By providing your editor with information on your issues, you are helping them to do their jobs. Keep in mind that editors are not required to print your letter, but usually they feel responsible for equitably and accurately depicting all sides of an issue. Read on for some tips on good letter writing and information on how to contact your local papers.

   How can I write an effective letter to the editor?

Tips to maximize the impact of your letter to the editor

  • Respond quickly
    If you wait more than a day or two the issue is old news and it is unlikely that your letter will be published.
  • Keep it short and simple
    Use plain language, short sentences and short paragraphs -- and get right to the point. Keep it no longer than 180 words. Be clever and present new information.
  • Craft the first paragraph
    Make your point in the first paragraph and then present your argument in the paragraphs that follow.
  • Think locally rather than globally
    The more relevant you can make an issue to both your own and the readers' circumstances, the more likely it is that your letter will be published. Localize and personalize the issue as far as possible.
  • Use your own words
    Don't use a form letter. Let your personality and thoughts show by being serious, humorous, or ironic, but don't be nasty or offensive. Creative letters using humor or irony will have a more lasting impression on the reader.
  • Use facts and figures
    Where possible, the use of facts and figures elevates your argument above the average "tit-for-tat" verbal skirmishes on the letters pages. These are also more difficult to rebut or to dismiss as mere "opinion."
  • Be polite and calm
    Over-emotional responses and rants are more easily dismissed than reasoned arguments. Attack issues, not people.
  • Sum up
    Conclude your letter with a single sentence that sums up your main point, argument, or position so that readers are not left hanging in the air.
  • Proof-read
    While most newspapers will edit your letter before printing it, spelling and grammatical errors create a bad impression and reduce the chances of your letter being published.
  • Provide contact details
    Provide your name, address, and telephone number in case the paper needs to contact you. The paper will never print your telephone number or your street address.

   How do I make submissions to local and national papers?

Usually, submission information will be printed on the editorial or letters to the editor page in the newspaper or magazine. Many publications accept email submissions; look for the "feedback" or "comments" link. We've put together a list of major newspaper letter to the editor emails:

   I use Compuserve/AOL and I can't see the buttons. How can I create a screenshot to troubleshoot the problem?

It's a bit technical, but if you use Internet Explorer on Compuserve or AOL, you can help us a great deal by sending us a screenshot of the problem. Here's how:

  1. Click on your browser window to make sure that it is active.
  2. Hold down the Alt key and press the Print Screen Button (usually in the same row as the function keys and above the insert button.)
  3. The screen image is now on your clipboard.
  4. If your email program supports pasting images directly into message text, just start a new message and "paste" the image into your message.
  5. If your email program does not allow this, you can send the picture as an attachment by opening Windows Paint (found in the Accessories folder under the Windows Start Menu). Send us the email & attachment.

You can also help by sending us the source code of the page:

  1. With the page you are trying to capture open in your browser, choose "Source" from the "View Menu" on the top of the screen.
  2. This will open a new "Notepad" window with the code.
  3. Save this file using the file menu.
  4. Attach it to an email and send it to us.