Writing your representatives can make a real difference. Recently, in March 2007, Mayor Bloomberg and Senator Hilary Clinton urged Congress to reopen the 9/11 Victim’s Fund to help pay for the medical costs of 9/11 workers. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Jerrold Nadler have also been very active in bringing positive legislation to the floor. Pressuring government representatives to secure more funding and investigate the EPA coverup can lead to real changes.

How to write

The Sierra Club has provided sample letters that can be signed and sent to your representatives. They can also act as a starting point for aspects of the issue that you would like to address personally:

• Sample letter to President Bush
• Sample letter to EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson
• Sample letter to your Senator
• Sample letter to your Representative
• Look up your representative’s address

Raise media awareness

While many stories have focused on the increasing occurrence of illness and hardship among first responders, few have pointed directly to the government for its failure to protect and care for 9/11 workers. Write an editorial for your local paper and let others around you know the needs of first responders.

• Write an editorial for you local paper. Patrick Lynch, President of the NYC PBA, has written a strong statement (PDF) in the NY Daily News that serves as a good example.
• Wear a shirt supporting the Feal Good Foundation or display a poster to raise the visibility of the issue. Please contact us if you would like to help distribute neverabandon posters.