Letter Writing guidelines
Be Direct
Directly state the reason for writing the letter. If you want the person to help, you have to be quite specific about what you are requesting.
Do Your Research
Be sure to do your research. It can help to list a few facts or statistics. Avoid biased sources and be sure to list your resources that you cite.
Proofread
You can write by hand or type your letter. Use correct spelling and grammar in your letter. Avoid using too much punctuation or exclamation marks. Avoid using all capital letters because that is translated as shouting. Use normal size font and color. Use a basic font like Times New Roman or Ariel so that your letter is easy to read.
Relate to Constituents
A constituent is anybody who lives in the district of a congressman. Explain how the issue affects you, your school, community and how it impacts their constituents, district, and state.
Identify Yourself
Clearly identify yourself. Be sure to include your contact information in your letter. The contact information identifies you as a constituent of the elected official.
Be Polite
By being polite, your letter is more likely to be read and understood.
Be Constructive
Be positive about your issue and offer recommendations about how you want the representative to address concerns.
Be Personal
Explain how the issue affects your life. Maybe include a personal story to try and convince the reader. Communicate in your own words. Personalized letters are more effective than utilizing templates.
Be Appreciative
Remember to express appreciation at the end of your letter. It takes a lot of time to read through letters and write responses. You might want to follow whatever issue that you wrote to about and write a thank you note.
Be Concise
Stick to one issue and keep it brief. Letters should be no longer that one page or about 500 words. Legislative aides read many letters per day, so your letter should get to the point.
Directly state the reason for writing the letter. If you want the person to help, you have to be quite specific about what you are requesting.
Do Your Research
Be sure to do your research. It can help to list a few facts or statistics. Avoid biased sources and be sure to list your resources that you cite.
Proofread
You can write by hand or type your letter. Use correct spelling and grammar in your letter. Avoid using too much punctuation or exclamation marks. Avoid using all capital letters because that is translated as shouting. Use normal size font and color. Use a basic font like Times New Roman or Ariel so that your letter is easy to read.
Relate to Constituents
A constituent is anybody who lives in the district of a congressman. Explain how the issue affects you, your school, community and how it impacts their constituents, district, and state.
Identify Yourself
Clearly identify yourself. Be sure to include your contact information in your letter. The contact information identifies you as a constituent of the elected official.
Be Polite
By being polite, your letter is more likely to be read and understood.
Be Constructive
Be positive about your issue and offer recommendations about how you want the representative to address concerns.
Be Personal
Explain how the issue affects your life. Maybe include a personal story to try and convince the reader. Communicate in your own words. Personalized letters are more effective than utilizing templates.
Be Appreciative
Remember to express appreciation at the end of your letter. It takes a lot of time to read through letters and write responses. You might want to follow whatever issue that you wrote to about and write a thank you note.
Be Concise
Stick to one issue and keep it brief. Letters should be no longer that one page or about 500 words. Legislative aides read many letters per day, so your letter should get to the point.