Writing Effective Letters to Congressional Representatives, State Legislators and Local Government Officials

1. Use Their Title. Honorable, Senator, Representative, Mr. President, etc. Be respectful.

2. Write Your Own Letter, Wire or Card. Don’t just sign a mimeographed form. Your Federal, State and Local representatives get a lot of mail: It is obvious when form letters arrive.

3. Be Considerate Enough of Their Attention and Judgment. If you think enough of an issue to write them, put your opinion in your own words. They will pay much more attention to what you think rather than to what you might sign as a printed form.

4. Every Man or Woman in Office is Very Alert to Public Opinion. Give them the courtesy of writing your own opinion. It means much more.

5. Be Brief. Five one-page letters will have more impact than one five-page letter.

6. Write Clearly. Legislators do not have the time to decipher illegible handwriting

7. Identify Yourself. Be sure to mention the state, congressional or legislative district, city or county in which you are a registered voter. Mention your local union affiliation as well.

8. Write on One Issue Only. Keep it to the point.

9. Be Specific. When writing about legislation, use the bill number (H. R. 10, S. 100) or the title (The labor Law Reform Act; the White tax reform measure) if you know them. If not, briefly describe issue that concerns you.

10. Be Truthful. Take time to find the correct facts and figures. Simple facts will achieve the greatest success.

11. Use Personal Experience. A brief statement of personal experience is always very effective.

12. Support Added Costs. Tell the legislator that you would accept any addition taxation that would support expanded programs.

13. Make It Friendly. Being a legislator is sometimes a lonely and thankless job. Your legislator needs your support and suggestions. When your legislator has done something of which you approve, write a letter of appreciation.

14. If You Don’t Like What Your Legislator is Proposing, Offer a Positive and Specific Alternative. Propose alternatives or amendments.

15. Ask For a Response. Urge your legislator to take action in support or opposition or whatever action is appropriate. Request (don’t demand) a reply to your letter.

16. Final Thoughts. Never use threats, profanity, or insults; never write a form letter or postcard; never misspell your legislator’s name.