Our elected officials are accountable to us and we must communicate our concerns to them. Few decision-makers can ignore outcry from their constituents.  Most are genuinely interested in the opinions of the people they represent.

There are many methods that you can use to get your message across, and letter writing is one of the easiest and most effective.  Letter writing serves other important purposes.  It helps educate your group and others on the issues.  It can also help bring in new members.  Writing letters is a great first step into political activism.  This sheet is intended to outline the “how-to’s” of a successful letter writing campaign on your campus, in your community, or anywhere else you can think to have one.  Just remember your letters do count, they are read, and they do make a difference!

Materials Needed

• Recycled paper and envelopes or pre-written post cards and letters.  (Note: pre-written letters are not as “politically effective” as hand-written ones.)
• Pens and clipboards. (Idea: set up ironing boards to write on).
• Sample letter.  Make it simple, short and to the point.
• Fact sheets to use as background information.
• “Butcher block” paper, markers, and tape for making signs.
• List decision-makers, their environmental records and addresses.
• Donation jar for postage.
• Sign up sheet for your group.  This is a great opportunity to recruit new members.

When and Where

When:  Find out when traffic around your issue table will be at its height and set up then.

Where:  You obviously want locations where you will be highly visible and have a steady flow of people.  Student Unions, shopping centers and parks are obvious choices, as well as cafeterias, theaters, lectures or other special events, county fairs, and other church and community functions.

Important Considerations

• People will usually need a couple of minutes to read what they’re writing about.
• Folks may not know their legislator, so it is helpful to have district maps or lists on hand.
• If possible, have something that you can give the ones who do write letters.  Something as simple as a button or sticker shows the person’s involvement.
• Tape the sample letter and the decision-makers’ address to the table in full view.
• Collect the letters once they are written and make sure they get sent.
• After collecting the letters, send them out in batches.  Getting a few letters a day for a week or two on a single issue has a big impact on your legislator.

People Power

It is important to have a couple of people to draw folks to your table.  Remember to be assertive, polite and quickly give your “rap.”

“Hi.  I’m so and so, and we are conducting a letter writing campaign for [your issue here].  Could you take a couple of minutes to write a letter to your [targeted decision-maker here] on this issue?

Eye Catchers

Spark people’s interest by having a visual display.  Successful ideas include showing videos, hosting art exhibits, rallies, musical events, etc.  The bottom line is that the more visually interesting your exhibit, the more people you’ll have stopping by.

The Letter Itself

• Encourage people to add personal notes.
• Address decision-makers properly (a rude letter will be recycled at best, and may hurt more than help_.
• If you are working on legislation, identify bills by number.  For example, in the U.S. Congress:  House bill: H.R. ____, Senate Bill: S. ___.  If you don’t know the bill number, refer to it by its principal sponsors.
• Officials may no know to which bill you are referring, so include a short summary as well.
• If your official has a good environmental voting record, be sure to commend him/her.
• Use area specific examples to support your position.
• Limit your letter to one topic.
• If possible, use only one page.
• Ask your legislator to state his or her position on the issue in a reply.
• Include your name and address in the body of the letter.
• You can write to U.S. Senators and Representatives, the President, Committee Chairs and other officials who make a difference.

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