| DO's |
DON'Ts |
| Do address your legislator properly and be courteous. |
Don't be informal. A letter to a legislator is a formal business letter. |
| Do discuss only one issue in a letter. |
Don't include multiple issues in one letter. If you have more than one
issue to address, send separate letters for each issue. |
| Do identify the bill you are addressing, if one has been introduced.
Include the bill number and title. The number and title of a federal bill can be obtained
from Website http://thomas.loc.gov/ |
Don't begin a letter with a righteous tone, such as "as a tax paying
citizen." |
| Do use your own words. If you receive a sample letter from an
organization, put it into you own words. |
Don't send form letters or copies of "sample" letters. |
| Do write legibly. Hand written letters are fine if they are readable. |
Don't send preprinted postcards. |
| Do use your own stationery. |
Don't use stationery from an employer or organization unless you are
writing as a spokesperson for the employer or organization. |
| Do be concise and to the point. Try to keep your letter to one or two
pages. |
Don't be vague or ramble on, leaving the legislator to wonder what you are
trying to say. |
| Do sign your name legibly and include your address. |
Don't ignore your legislator and write to one from another district. You
have more influence with the legislator from your district, even if you agree with others
and not yours. |
| Do identify your profession. A letter may include a statement such as
"as a professional nurse..." |
Don't send copies to other legislators. Write separately to each
representative and senator. |
| Do provide brief examples and situations that illustrate your point. |
Don't be rude or threaten not to vote for the legislator. Your concerns
may get lost in the tone of your letter. |
| Do include editorials and commentaries from newspapers. |
Don't include confidential information obtained in the course of your
professional role. Discuss general situations, such as "Last year I witnessed the
death of 3 children due to bicycle accidents." |
| Do write early, as a bill is being introduced. If your legislator is a
member of the committee to which the bill is being referred, write before the bill is
reviewed in committee. If not, write before the bill is scheduled for the floor. |
|
| Do write the chairperson or committee members holding hearings on
legislation in which you are interested. |
|
| Do write when you approve of the legislators actions or positions, not
just to complain or oppose. |
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