Because members of Congress are extremely busy people, you will often be referred to a staff person who reports to the member. Congressional staff duties range from policy development to constituent relations to errand running. Although job title generally indicates the degree of responsibility, in some instances staffers with seemingly less important titles have great access to the legislator; don’t dismiss a staff member solely on the basis of title.  Developing a good working relationship with a member’s staff is important and can benefit you in a variety of ways, enabling you to:

• Be sure your messages and correspondence will reach the member.
• Learn how constituent opinion on an issue is running in the office.
• Find out how soon action may be expected, and to arrange meetings more easily.

Most letters to congressional offices are read either by the member or most likely by a key staff person who will brief the member on the issues and positions expressed in constituent correspondence. So it is important to have a good relationship with them in order to ensure that your message will get across.