Letter Writing Tips
Personally written letters to officials can achieve results because your letters allow you to present your position without interruption. Your position may affect the way a lawmaker will vote on a specific issue. Feel free to write if you have questions or problems dealing with procedures of government departments or agencies.
Here are several tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your letters:
Identify yourself. Address your lawmakers by “The Honorable” followed by his/her name, and begin the letter “Dear Senator,” or “Dear Representative.” If you have met, or know the lawmaker personally, address them by their first name. Write legibly, and include your address. If you operate your own business, use your company letterhead. Let your lawmaker know you live and vote in their district or state.
Be brief and specific. Keep your letter to one page and one subject, and state the purpose in the opening paragraph. If your letter pertains to specific legislation, identify it accordingly.
Make your letter personal. Clearly and concisely explain the reasons why you feel the way you do about the issue, and describe how it affects you, your family, or your community. Include essential background information or supporting materials, but remember that too much information can be distracting. Make a connection to the official – did you vote for them or contribute to their campaign? Request the action that you would like the lawmaker to take on the issue.
Be courteous. Be polite and take a firm position in your letter. Be confident in your understanding of the issue and remember that the legislator may know less than you. Always be courteous; never threaten – even if you disagree with your lawmaker’s position on this or other issues. Thank elected officials when they vote the way you want.
Ask for a reply. Always close your letter by asking for a written response. This allows you to document your lawmaker’s positions on issues of concern to you.
Here are several tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your letters:
Identify yourself. Address your lawmakers by “The Honorable” followed by his/her name, and begin the letter “Dear Senator,” or “Dear Representative.” If you have met, or know the lawmaker personally, address them by their first name. Write legibly, and include your address. If you operate your own business, use your company letterhead. Let your lawmaker know you live and vote in their district or state.
Be brief and specific. Keep your letter to one page and one subject, and state the purpose in the opening paragraph. If your letter pertains to specific legislation, identify it accordingly.
Make your letter personal. Clearly and concisely explain the reasons why you feel the way you do about the issue, and describe how it affects you, your family, or your community. Include essential background information or supporting materials, but remember that too much information can be distracting. Make a connection to the official – did you vote for them or contribute to their campaign? Request the action that you would like the lawmaker to take on the issue.
Be courteous. Be polite and take a firm position in your letter. Be confident in your understanding of the issue and remember that the legislator may know less than you. Always be courteous; never threaten – even if you disagree with your lawmaker’s position on this or other issues. Thank elected officials when they vote the way you want.
Ask for a reply. Always close your letter by asking for a written response. This allows you to document your lawmaker’s positions on issues of concern to you.