Basic Letter Writing Tips Handwritten or typed personal letters are the most effective.
Be brief. A one-page letter is best, and limit your topics to one or two (related, if at all possible) concerns. Say something nice. Thank the legislator for favorable action and / or mention an area of agreement. Identify the issue or bill number that you are concerned about. Or cite the name(s) of its sponsor and summarize what the bill is about. Explain your position. Make the letter personal – explain how your own experience, observations, and faith beliefs shape your concern about this issue. Keep your tone friendly and polite, even if you disagree with the legislator’s position. Offer to be a source of information, if you have expertise on the topic. Ask the legislator how he/she plans to vote. In your letter, ask for a response to your concerns or questions. Remember to include your mailing address so the legislator’s office can reply. Follow-up on the legislator’s reply. Write back, especially if you’ve received a “form letter” reply that doesn’t address all of your concerns or answer your questions about the legislator’s position. Remember to thank the legislator for his/her response. Prepared by Kim Winchell, DM (Oct. 2005) |