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 the Chairperson of the Bluevale Legislative Committee, representing more than 200 senior citizens in the community. We are concerned about the planned reduction of the transportation services offered to the elderly since most of them are now unable to drive. The elderly solely depend on the bus services to send them to the clinics to their medical appointments and the grocery shops. This service gives them the convenience of staying in their homes rather than taking up residence in expensive nursing homes. The independence they enjoy are beneficial to them, and also, the welfare department is saving a big amount that would have gone to professional caregivers.
We are asking to go against the lessening of transportation services. The senior citizens in your community will surely appreciate it. Also, the welfare budget can be stretched much further.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample letter opposing the reduction of benefits for elderly.
Further things to consider when writing government letters to politicians
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 Politicians
Letters to politicians are letters written to people who are active in government usually as elected officials. Like the majority of business people, most politicians do not have enough time to read and respond to letters from their constituents. Your letter is most likely read by an assistant who discusses it briefly with the politician and drafts a response according to that discussion. Therefore, your letter needs to be clear and to the point so that the assistant understands its content completely. You don't want the letter to end up in the stack of unheeded letters, do you?
Personal letters to politicians could be one of the most effective tools for change. Before drafting one, do your homework to make sure that you are writing to the right person. Address the recipient with respect. State the objective of your letter and briefly introduce your issue. Mention your interest in the issue at hand and any relevant credentials. Introduce questions that will provoke the recipient to respond. Suggest ways in which the issue can be resolved. Thank the politician for any positive action he/she has taken in the past on similar issues. Close the letter with a call to action.
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