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Step one: Find your MP
The first step is to find details of your MP, and a bit of information about him or her, so you know who you are targeting.
It may be a bit harder than usual to find your new MP as many constituency borders have been changed. When you have found out who has won the seat of your constituency, his or her views can be recorded in many different places. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find out more.
1. Find your constituency
Visit theyworkforyou and type in your postcode. It's worth checking because your constituency might have changed. Alternatively, call the House of Commons information office on 020 7219 4272.
2. Finding out more
It's useful to do a bit of research before contacting your MP. This can help you find out about your MP's views and interests, and help you select the arguments that are most likely to be successful.
Online
There's an increasing amount of information out there, much of it online with more and more politicians using new media to engage with voters.
Personal websites: Many MPs are setting up their own websites or blogs. To track these down, try putting 'member of parliament' and the name of your constituency into a search engine.
Twitter: Over 100 MPs are using twitter, an online service where they can write short text messages (of up to 140 characters) known as tweets (which can usually be viewed by anyone). MPs typically use this to broadcast their views and post updates on their campaigning, but if you're a twitter user you can also reply to their messages with your own responses and questions. Tweetminster tracks political trends on twitter and maintains a list of MPs who are using the service.
Other sites: We've also found MPs with Facebook pages, on Youtube and on Flickr.
Local newspapers:
Check your local newspapers for reports of MP's views on different issues or details of events they're attending. These may give you an indication of their particular concerns and interests.
Download the full Campaign Action Guide.
Talk to us!
Please let us know what action you take and any response you receive, so we can see how the campaign is progressing and use your success to inspire others. Email campaign(at)caat·org·uk or call 020 7281 0297.
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