Tips for an Effective Letter

Your representative and senators can represent you only IF you keep them informed on your views. Here are some tips to help you write an effective letter:

1. Address it properly

Representative
Honorable _____________________
House Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515

Senator
Honorable _____________________
Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510

Senate, Delegate or Assembly members: Write them in care of your state capitol.

For local officials: Write them in care of their city, town or county government address which can be found in your phone book.

2. Identify yourself

Be sure to mention the state, congressional or legislative district and city or county in which you are a voter. Mention your local union affiliation as well.

3. Be specific

When writing about legislation, use the bill number (H.R. 10, S.100) or the title (OSHA Reform Bill; the Health Care Reform Measure) if you know them. If not, briefly describe the issue that concerns you.

4. Be timely

Write when the issue is current, not after a key vote has been taken.

5. Explain your position

As a worker, a taxpayer or a consumer, say in your own words how the bill or amendment will affect you. Don’t forget that a bill can change as it moves through the legislative process. So urge your legislator to oppose crippling amendments or support strengthening ones.

6. Ask for a response

Urge your legislator to take action – support or oppose a bill, co-sponsor an amendment or whatever action you would like taken. Request (don’t demand) a reply to your letter. This information will be helpful to the lobbying efforts of your local or international union, central labor council, and state or national AFL-CIO.

Other tips to keep in mind:

Be brief – Write about one bill or issue at a time. A one-page letter will surely be read and is always the most effective.

Write legibly – If it is a handwritten letter, make it easy to read.
Be polite – Don’t be threatening, demanding or abusive. That’s an immediate turnoff.

Don’t be a pen pal – Write on key issues. Don’t try to instruct the representative or senator on every issue that comes up.

Write only to your senators and your representative – Letters sent to other members of Congress are not very effective.