How to Write a Letter of Advocacy
Why write to an elected official?
We know that our experience as tradeswomen is affected by federal, state and local laws and policy. Most of us vote for the candidates we think will represent us most effectively. But a lot happens between elections!
Elected officials are influenced by public opinion. Therefore, it’s important that they understand our opinions and hear our voices as distinctly as the voices of our opposition. In addition, we have learned that elected officials want to hear from us, and that they pay attention to our comments.
Why write to the newspaper?
Letters “to the editor” of daily and weekly newspapers are read by many members of the public. They are an important part of any campaign to influence voters and others on an issue of concern. They are a cheap (cost of a stamp, and less than that if you e-mail) method of getting your message out.
Though not all letters are printed (daily newspapers typically receive anywhere from 10 to 30 letters for every one they print), a good letter on a timely issue has a chance of being published.
In general, the best time to write is at the beginning of attention to an issue. For a legislator, this means as early as possible when the issue is being considered in committee or on the floor. For newspapers, it means as soon as a story has broken that relates to your issue.
Write your letter as if you were talking personally to your audience. Start with a sentence about why you are writing and identifying yourself. For example: “I am an apprentice electrician” or “I worked for 10 years as a construction truck driver” or otherwise identify your personal or professional connection to the issue you are writing about.
Include your personal story where it is relevant, then generalize to the larger community/issue.
Give the facts clearly and briefly.
What do you want? Make your request clearly.
If the elected official (or newspaper) has taken a position on your issue in the past that agrees with your perspective, thank them.
Remember to sign your name and address at the end of the letter.
Form letters or mimeographed letters are only useful to count heads, and have much less impact than personal letters. These days, e-mail is so prevalent and easy that you may get more attention if you actually write a letter and mail it.
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