Be An Advocate

Letter-writing
Letters do make a difference. Your opinion, added to that of others with similar interests, does count. Legislators need to know what their constituents think about important legislation under consideration. Your voice, speaking in a letter, like your vote, does count. Letter writing also offers you an opportunity to serve as consultant, to offer your legislator an opinion on a bill based on your understanding and solid reasoning. Generating letters to specific legislators at critical times can have important and dramatic impact. Consider the following tips to insure success.

Content:

• Try to cover one subject only.
   
• Mention the particular piece of legislation and identify it by number and/or name (as applicable).
   
• State specifically what you want to happen (change in the bill, vote for the bill, etc.); be constructive and provide options if possible.
   
• State specifically how the issue will affect the member’s district or state.
   
• Use facts, data, and anecdotes to support your position.
   
• Mention any personal relationship, history of support, or connection beyond that of interested constituent.
   
• Urge support for your position, but never threaten the member.
   
• Include supporting information such as editorials from local newspapers or brief reports, pictures, testimonials, or success stories about your students.
   
• Ask for a response: How will the member vote? What additional information is needed? Is there something you can do to get that information?
   
• Write to thank the member for his or her support or favorable actions on behalf of your interests.

Format:

• Keep letters brief and to the point.
   
• Avoid technical “jargon” by using commonly understood terms.
   
• Send legible handwritten or typed letters on your own stationery.
   
• Be original. Do not use mimeographed or copied form letters.
   
• Always sign your name in ink.
   
• Include your full name and address on the inside of the letter, not just on the envelope.
   
• Be courteous.

Address correspondence at the federal level:

To a U. S. Senator:

     The Honorable (full name)
     United States Senate
     Washington DC 20510

     Dear Senator (surname):

To a Member of the House of Representatives:

     The Honorable (full name)
     United States House of Representatives
     Washington D.C. 20515

Note: When writing to the Chair of a committee or the Speaker of the House, address them as Dear Mr. Chairman, Dear Madam Chairwoman, or Dear Speaker.

Note: Use the same salutations at the state level. Contact the state legislature for the correct mailing address for your state legislator.

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