Writing Letters to Elected Officials
Why write elected officials? To demonstrate awareness To explain the importance of an issue To persuade To build your reputation
Write elected officials: To respond to an action or decision To lobby an official To voice concern To point out a deficiency or need To request information 3
Include in your letter: An official opening Your purpose Understanding of the issue Your position Others affected Acknowledgement of past support Desired action 4
Include at the end of the letter: Thank you Your full name Address Phone number 5
E-mail pros and cons: Pros Cons Faster than regular mail Easy to respond to Reliable Less likely to get lost Cons Easily deleted and forgotten Less effective than paper mail 6