Writing letters

• The more personal your letter is, the more influence it will have. Say what’s on your mind and in your heart. You don’t have to be an expert — you’re a concerned citizen. Describe briefly how the policy in question affects you or your community.
• Hand write your letter if your writing is legible. This way the receiver can tell you’re a real person. If you do type, add a handwritten note.
• Be brief, clear and specific. Keep your letter to one page if possible, and get right to the point.
• Ask for a written response from the policymaker, stating his or her position on the specific issue you raised. Don’t let them off the hook with a generalized response.
• Be courteous with the people you contact even when you disagree with them.
• Include your address on your letter. An envelope can get lost.
• Effective letters are those which are individually written or typed rather than a form letter you simply sign.
• Identify the bill by number and title in your letter.
• State your position in your introductory paragraph (support, oppose, wish to amend, etc.). Make a clear and concise argument for your position.
• Limit each letter to a single subject or piece of legislation.
• Give your full name and address and identify yourself as a registered voter in the legislator’s district and/or as a member of an organization interested in the legislation.
• The most effective time to write about legislation is while it is still in committee.
• Enclose an article that bears on the policy in question.
• Remind the policymaker if you have a personal association with him or her.
• Use professional letterhead if possible.
• Write or call a second time, thanking for help or pressing for satisfactory answers.
• If time is of the essence, consider consecutively faxing the mailed letter.

Addressing elected officials