GUIDELINES
- If you want to persuade politicians not to vote for a particular legislation, the best way to do this is to write a constituent letter. Constituent letters that oppose specific legislation are powerful means of urging politicians to change their mind. Your message should be clear, concise and direct.
- First of all, make it clear whether you are writing as an individual or on behalf of your organization. Clearly state the name and number of the bill under discussion. Clarify your view on the issue right from the beginning.
- Categorize and clearly state why you think that the legislation should be rejected.
- Appreciate the legislator for his services. Then stress on your final appeal for rejection of the bill.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
I am writing this letter to oppose the Development Bill that is before the Congress right now. I am a resident of Greenvale, and I love wide open spaces. I also want my children to enjoy the beautiful environment of our locality that I am presently enjoying. It is very ill-advised to address hurriedly an immediate need without thinking about the long-range consequences thereof. Should we always put development ahead of the protection of our environment? I hope that we will realize the importance of our natural environment before it is too late. You have always supported the environment, and now, it needs your help again. Kindly vote against the Development Bill.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample letter opposing the Development Bill.
Further things to consider when writing government letters to government officials
Government Letters
Government letters are letters you write to a government official to voice your concerns or air your grievances. Most people write government letters when airing their concerns or when running businesses that regularly communicate with the government. Government letters help you weigh in on what is going on in your locality, state, or nation. Since these letters are addressed to different government officials, you need to use the proper addressing etiquette. The official mailing address varies from official to official, and therefore you need to look up for the standard address for that specific recipient.
When writing government letters, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For starters, you need to learn the official's name and clarify why you are addressing the letter to this particular person. If you don't know any specific official, use the address of the relevant department. Clearly mention why you are writing the letter and your expectations. Show due respect even if you feel that the recipient is in the wrong. Support your stance with logical arguments and strong evidence. Highlight some of the benefits of considering or following your suggestion and close the letter with a call to action.
Letters to Government Officials
Letters to government officials are letters written to any person who works and acts in an official capacity for the government. The recipients of such letters could be congressmen, governors, or even the president. There are many reasons why you may want to write to a government official. Maybe some roads in your area need reconstruction and proper lighting. Perhaps there is a curfew in your town which has made it impossible for you to do night shifts. Whatever the reason, the letter must be formal, respectful, and well-worded.
When writing letters to government officials, you need to decide the official to whom you want to direct the letter. Start by introducing yourself and clearly stating the reason for your letter. Explain how the issue at hand affects you and other people in your group. Explain your personal stand on it and the reason for your position. Offer suggestions that you think can solve the problem. Emphasize important information by bolding or underlining. Try to keep the letter short, preferably one page. Wrap it up by thanking the recipient in advance for reading the letter and considering your thoughts. Type the letter or write it in clear, legible handwriting.
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