Writing to Your Legislator
Helpful Hints
A face to face visit may be the most effective way of contacting
your legislator. When this is not possible a personal letter may be the
next best choice, giving tangible evidence of your concerns.
The easier your position can be explained, the more likely
it is that a legislator will be persuaded to accept it. Boil down the
issue to the simplest, most essential facts and arguments. How is it affecting
your family to be on a waiting list for services? What specific program
would help you with your needs?
Example Letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
The Honorable [Name]
PO Box [Number]
Madison WI 53708
Dear Senator/Representative [Name],
1. Say why you are writing
2. Say something about the current situation
3. Identify yourself
4. Add a personal touch—your story here!
5. An optional closing, re-stating your position
Sincerely,
[Signature and Name]
Members of Congress and the State Legislature receive
surprisingly few letters from their constituents. They pay a lot of attention
to those they do receive.
Dos and Don'ts for Writing
- DO use personal or business letterhead, if you have it. If not, write your complete address on the letter--envelopes get lost.
- DO hand write your letter if your writing is legible; if not, type it, but always sign by hand. If your signature isn't legible, print or type your name underneath.
- DO identify your bill by number, if possible.
- DO identify yourself as a consumer, parent, etc. and explain how the issue personally affects you or someone you love.
- DO be brief and stick with a single issue. Keep you letter to one page, although you could add a one-page fact sheet, newsletter article or other enclose.
- DO say things in your own words. Even if you have a sample letter to follow, change it around so it sounds individual.
- DO ask a for a specific response. Ask whether the person will draft a bill for you, vote for or against a bill, etc. If you don't ask the question, you'll get a very vague response thanking you for your input, but giving you no real information.
- DO send thank you letters when your legislator votes as you have requested, or helps you in some way.
- DON'T use form letters. Always write or type in your own words on your own paper.
- DON'T use petitions. Legislators know almost anyone will sign a petition, but hardy anyone cares enough to take the time to write a letter. One personal letter has much more impact than 100 names on a petition.
While letters have the most visual impact other than meeting your legislator face to face, a phone call or e-mail is better than no contact at all!
You can find out who your representatives are and leave a toll free message for them by calling 1-800-362-9472 or 1-800-266-9960.
Find their email address by going to: www.legis.state.wi.us
Adapted from materials by Sue Gilbertson
Alliance for the Mentally Ill Legislative Advocacy Handbook
Writing Your Legislators