Grassroots lobbying methods (part 2): tips on personal letters

On our last look at the lobbying buffet I reviewed some tips on petitions and post cards.  Next up?

Lobbying with personal letters

Personal letters rank higher on the scale when it comes to having an impact, but they’re harder to come by. 

Letters can be very effective in helping you voice your concerns, as they let you get in more information than a post card.  The printed word also enables the legislator to better understand their constituents’ opinions and to gauge passion.  They flag important issues for the legislator in advance and provide a written record to review.  However, most people don’t take the time to write them. 

So in order to have the greatest impact, a personal letter project should begin early in the lobbying process.

If you use them, it’s best to provide people with a sample and/or fact sheet they can use as a guide, along with some basic instructions about “who” to send it to and “where”, (just remind them not to copy such information verbatim so everyone’s letter doesn’t look the same). 

When writing letters to federal officials use the following guidelines:

Addressing correspondence to a Senator:
The Honorable (Name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator:

Addressing correspondence to a U. S. Representative:
The Honorable (Name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative:

You can also address correspondence to their local offices in your area, or send it via fax.  (Due to enhanced security at the US Capitol after 9/11, local letters will usually reach them the quickest.)

Here are four tips for effective letter writing:

1. The main purpose should be in the first paragraph.  If you’re concerned about a specific item, (such as a bill), mention it by name.
2. Keep it short.  There is generally no reason to go beyond one page.
3. Keep it focused.  The fewer topics the better.  One is best.  Be concise.  Letters that ramble are discounted at best, (and thrown away at worst).
4. Be professional and courteous.  Be passionate, but never angry.  Include information that supports your position.

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Related entries:

• Grassroots lobbying methods (part 1): petitions and post cards
• Picking the right methods from the grassroots lobbying buffet
• Effective contact with elected officials