Writing A Strong Letter to you Legislator

There are many times that the Alaska State Fire Fighters Association or your local union will ask for letters in support or opposition to Legislative issues. 

Writing a letter can be a very emotional experience.  Many of the legislative issues directly affect our compensation or safety.  The urge to “let-it-all-hang out” can be strong or overwhelming at times.  More often than not letters written with this amount of emotion will not get the desire effect. 

But writing a letter that will make a difference in getting legislation approved calls for something with a bit more finesse. Elected officials are like anyone else – they tend to get angry or defensive when someone goes off on them, whether in person, on the phone or in a letter. Long or hostile letters are usually intercepted by a legislator’s staff, meaning that there’s a good chance he or she will never see your “masterpiece”.

Since we all want your letter to get the desired effect we have drawn up a list of letter writing  DO’s and Don’t.  If you follow these simple rules you have an excellent chance of getting your opinion heard and keeping your masterpiece out of the “Round File”.

LETTER WRITING DOS AND DON'TS

DO … Keep it short and simple. Your letter should be brief, to the point and focused on one single issue. If you’ve got another issue, write a separate letter. Try to keep each letter to no longer than one page.

DO … Be specific. Include in your letter the bill number, subject matter, and its current status. Though you may know all about a bill, the recipient may not be familiar with it.

DO … Get to the point. State your main point first, then offer supporting arguments and statements. Use your own words and thoughts.

DO … Stay positive. Form a positive argument--even if it is to make a negative point.

DO … Stick to the issue. Stay focused on your key message, without going off on tangents.

DO … Mind your manners. Approach the letter as you would a business correspondence because, after all, politics is a legislator’s business. Keep it respectful and professional.

DO … Tell us about it. If you’ve written a letter, be sure we get a copy.

DON’T … Try to cut a deal. The quickest way to get your letter “round-filed” is to suggest a “quid pro quo” or “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” arrangement. It’s against the law, even if all you’re offering is a box of Girl Scout cookies.

DON’T … Make threats. The second-quickest way to get your letter “round-filed” is to threaten any kind of retaliation – political or otherwise – if the person doesn’t vote your way. Argue your case on its merits … professionally and calmly.

DON’T … Go off on a tangent. Stay focused on the issue you’re writing about. If you try to lump everything together, you’re going to lose your focus, and you risk having the letter wind up in the wrong bill file.

DON’T … Write a novel. Legislators get lots of mail, so they appreciate brevity. As indicated above, stay on a single topic, state your case, and offer a couple of examples and talking points.

DON’T ... Wait for somebody else to write. Every letter matters, and those with personal stories are especially helpful. You have the power to make a difference in Juneau. Use it!