Write to a Public Official
Letter writing is simple, efficient, and one of the best ways for us to ensure that our individual and collective voices are heard. There is power in numbers, as well as a solitary voice. The volume of mail a public official receives on a particular issue often affects his or her vote, but even one well-written letter from a constituent can sway a legislator. Although the anthrax scare has slowed down the receipt of mail in Congress, a letter from a constituent still has a powerful effect on legislators.
“People tend to under-emphasize the impact their letter has on a legislator. If I get 10 letters or e-mails that are actually written, I pay attention, because it must be important to a sizable portion of my constituency." – President Barack Obama
Your letter will be most effective if you follow a few simple guidelines:
- Identify yourself as a constituent and include your name and return address.
- Personalize your letter. It's important to tell your story about cancer and how the issues have affected you. The more personal your letter, the more attention it will receive. Whenever possible, send a handwritten letter. If you are writing about a loved one, you can enclose a small photo of him or her. Remember you are writing to a person who receives hundreds of pieces of mail every day, and personal letters are interesting – they stand out.
- In the first paragraph, identify the bill number or issue on which you want action and state what action you want. State your position again toward the end of your letter.
- Be persuasive and ask for a response. Seek a commitment from your legislators on your issue and request that they explain their position to you.
- Be polite and courteous, even if the legislator has taken positions with which you disagree.
- Express your appreciation. Thank policymakers for devoting time to your issue. When an elected official helps you on some matter, be sure to follow with a thank you note.
- It is best to limit your letter to one page.
- Send a copy of your letter to NCCS, so that we can track the policymaker's response.
- Follow up with a call to confirm that your legislator received your letter.
To Write To a Member of Congress:
For Senators
The Honorable (insert name)
US Senate
Washington, DC 20510
For Representatives
The Honorable (insert name)
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
For the President of the United States
President (insert name)
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Sample Letters
