GUIDELINES
- A letter from the body that recommends specific laws is a necessary means to convince the politicians to vote a particular way. It should be straightforward, brief and clear.
- Make it clear if you are writing as a private citizen or as your organization's representative. Point out the law that you are discussing using its official name and number or using its famous name if available. Clarify from the beginning what is your position on the issue,
- Make a list of the reasons why you agree to pass the bill
- Identify the questions and errors in the arguments against the passage of the bill.
- Tell them that you appreciate the legislator's service, and end with an intensified appeal for the adoption of the law.
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'm writing to you as a citizen and an environmentally-conscious person to encourage you to vote for the Green Bill coming before Congress this season. The bill will help increase the currently lacking enforcement of regulatory laws regarding timber sales on public land in the highland areas of the state. Additionally, it will cause the timber companies to become more accountable to the community for the non-environmentally-friendly methods of the harvest that they have been commonly employing in sensitive areas. I have personally witnessed the clear illegal felling, slash and burn methods destroying thousands of acres of previously-pristine wilderness, and no compensation made to the public who ultimately suffer. Big Timber has plenty of money at the moment to fight the legislation, but if we support forward-thinking in the areas of power, together with people like you, we can work together to gain a balanced and long-term answer to our state's public land use.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample letter to congressman asking them to support a 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.
These articles may interest you
