How to Write a Proper Letter to Your Legislators

Legislators, whether at the local, state or federal level receive hundreds of letters daily. You stand a much better chance of your letter being read if it is written in a specific way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Addressing a congresswoman or congressman properly: Begin with the title "representative".

2. Addressing a senator properly: A letter to a senator should begin with the title "to the Honorable" follwed by their name.

3. Write legibly. Handwritten letters are preferrable; be sure they are readable.

4. Be brief and to the point. Discuss only 1 issue in each letter and if you are writing about a specific piece of legislation identify the bill by number and title if possible.

5. If writing a personal letter use your own stationery and words.

6. If you are writing as a group representative, use the organizations letterhead unless you are affiliated with a not for profit agency.

7. Letterwriting and not for profit programs, agencies or organizations: If you work or volunteer at a not for profit business DO NOT use the group's letterhead, pens or pencils, envelopes, and stamps. Write your letter at home and mail it from home or the post office.

Tips & Warnings

• Not for profit organizations and agencies recieve some kind of partial or full government funding.
• Government funding cannot be used to promote a specific issue, candidate or political pary or to purchase the supplies and stamps to mail letters.
• In the post 9/11 world, be careful that none of your wording or how you address an issue or bill can be taken out of context and construed as being threatening or anti government.
• With the media and social networking websites like you tube take extra care that nothing in your letter can be taken out of context as being sexually, racially, or culturally insensitive.

Resources

• congressional member addresses and bill numbers and titles