| Do |
Write on our personal or business letterhead, if possible, and sign
your name over your typed signature at the end of your message. |
| Do |
Be sure your exact return address is on the letter, not just the envelope. |
| Do |
Identify your subject clearly, by issue name, bill number or other
adequate description. |
| Do |
Clearly state your reason for writing. Your own personal experience
is your best supporting evidence. Explain how the issue would effect
you. |
| Do |
Be reasonable in your request for action. |
| Do |
Ask your legislator, councilmember, or board member to state his/her
position on the issue in his reply. As a constituent, you are entitled
to know. |
| Do |
Thank your legislator if he/she please you with his/her vote on an
issue. Everybody appreciates a complimentary letter and will remember
it. |
| Don't |
Use stereotypical phrases and sentences that give the appearance of
a “form letter.” That reduces the impactand the personal touch. |
| Don't |
Ask for the impossible. Don’t threaten our legislatorbecause
it will do more harm than good. |
| Don't |
Forget about the timing aspect of your letter. Try and send your views
while an issue is still relevant and allows your legislator to take action
on it. |
