Advances in technology have provided a window to Washington that makes it easier for constituents to get to know their legislators and their staffs and keep up to date with their busy schedules. Below are a few ways you can learn about your legislators.

• Visit their official websites. Every member of Congress has an official website. Websites have a lot of information, such as bios, members' committees, positions on issues, press releases, votes, and sponsored legislation.


• Sign up for their newsletters. You can usually sign up on their websites, but if not feel free to call the office and ask how to sign up.


• Check your local media. Local newspapers and television stations often have stories that focus on legislators. Find out what issues are important to your legislators and focus on those topics in the news.


• Sign up for news alerts online. Google alerts help you monitor the Internet for new content based on your specific query or topic. Once you have signed up, you will receive alerts when your legislators are mentioned in online news stories. These alerts will help you stay informed about what your legislators have been up to and stay current on policy issues they are involved in.


• Find out if your legislators have Facebook pages or Twitter profiles.


• Facebook: Most legislators have a Facebook page that they use to communicate with constituents. Legislators list events they will be hosting or attending as well as policy updates. "Like" your members of Congress on Facebook to receive updates.


• Twitter: Many legislators also have a twitter profile and are now tweeting daily. If you follow your legislators, you can get a peek into your legislators' daily lives on Capitol Hill or when they are back in the district.