Have you ever wanted to write a letter to your legislator(s) either to show support or opposition of a particular bill, but fear your writing skills aren’t up to par? Watch the video below! And check out our letter templates below, edit, and use them as often as you’d like.
HOW TO WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR LEGISLATORS
When the time calls for it, we at Family Protection Ministries may ask you to write to your California legislators in the Senate and Assembly about specific bills.
Writing letters is valuable way to communicate with your legislator. The letters you write are very significant. Compared to the U.S. Senators and U.S. Congressmen, State Senators and State Assembly Members don’t hear from very many people. Many legislators believe that your one letter represents the view of 100 other voters who did not take the time to express their position. As few as five to ten letters from constituents can change a state legislator’s position on a bill!
Before you begin writing, try to determine what you want to say—note every item that is essential. After composing the rough draft, check to make sure that you have included everything on your list. Remember, the purpose of your letter is to build a positive relationship and influence your legislator’s vote.
When writing about legislation, please keep the following qualities in mind:
| 1. Clearness – Be upfront about the issue you are writing about and be sure to include the bill number, author(s), and the title, if it is short. 2. Conciseness – Focus on a few key points in your letter and address only one issue per letter. Usually 1-page maximum is appropriate, as your legislator has many letters to read. 3. Calmness – Be descriptive rather than emotional. Do not use threats, heated language, or sarcasm. 4. Completeness – Include every essential point and any of the “Opposition Points to Share with Legislators” in the Action Alert from FPM, if applicable. 5. Courtesy – Write with respect to their office and address them appropriately. With care, even an opposing point of view can be stated in a respectful way. Don’t try to convert your legislator, but rather ask for his or her support. 6. Correctness – Be sure to check all your facts before mailing your letter. You don’t need to sound like an expert on every political issue, but you can write as a concerned and intelligent constituent when you stick to the facts. 7. Creativity – Personalize the letter and take their personality into consideration, if possible. Avoid vagueness and overused expressions. You may mention how the bill would impact your family if you write it respectfully. |
You can find your senator and assembly member’s mailing address and contact information here: www.findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov.
WRITING LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION
Writing a letter of introduction about your homeschool to your legislator’s district office is also a great way to help raise awareness about private homeschooling. A letter is also a tangible point of contact if a meeting or phone call will not work for your family.
You can find your senator and assembly member’s mailing address and contact information here: www.findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov
In your letter, introduce yourself as one of the many privately home educating families living in their district. Tell them how your family has benefitted over the years from homeschooling. Share some memorable occasions that you have experienced over the years.
It is usually best to send letters to the district office address of the legislator, unless the letter is regarding a bill needing action at the Capitol. Legislators must campaign at home and writing to the local office tells him you are there and are aware of issues.
Just as your clothing and general appearance create a first impression that is likely to become lasting, so the paper or stationery used in your letter produces an initial effect. Neatly handwritten letters on personal stationery get priority attention. Typed letters are also acceptable. Good quality, white paper is correct for either men or women. A light tint may also be used.
Please be clear and concise in your letter. Take advantage of spell check! You want your letter to be friendly and personal, but also professional.
FOLLOWING UP YOUR MEETING
Send a follow-up letter or a neatly written thank you card within a week or so after your meeting. Keep the letter brief and thank your legislator for his time. Do not bring up issues or request votes on bills in the follow-up letter.
If you were unable to answer a particular question at the meeting, or if you were asked for additional information, you may include it in your follow-up letter. Be sure that any item sent is legible, especially if it is a copy of an original document or article. Each item should be properly labeled with title, source, and date. Check your letter for neatness, spelling, and grammar.
WRITING LETTERS AS A GROUP ABOUT A BILL
In the event that we, FPM, ask you to write to a specific committee or to your California legislators in the Senate and Assembly about specific bills, you may write a letter as a homeschool group. The following example can be a guide.