How to write to the government.

August 2, 2009 10:31 AM

I'm a complete N00b when it comes to writing to my government/MLA. Recent events have made me want to voice my concern w/ the government's actions and encourage my MLA to stand up and voice his disapproval. How do I learn what is proper to include in a letter and what isn't? How do I not come off as a crazy ranter and appear as a concerned constituent? Tips? Examples?
posted by beautifulcheese to writing & language (6 comments total)

Oh , and is a letter better than an e-mail? Or does it no longer matter in today's time?
posted by beautifulcheese at 10:36 AM on August 2

Cite every point you make.
posted by kldickson at 10:37 AM on August 2 [1 favorite]

Well, that's totally obnoxious. If you'd just looked at beautifulcheese's profile, you'd see Canada listed. So that would be Member of the Legislative Assembly.
posted by meerkatty at 10:43 AM on August 2 [2 favorites]

[Pointlessly obnoxious list removed.]
posted by cortex at 11:27 AM on August 2

Letter not email. One side only. Opening paragraph explains why you are writing ("I am writing to you as my MLA to express my concerns about XXX"). Paragraphs 2 and 3 expand, setting out your reasons for holding the views that you do as concisely and factually as you can, citing relevant, sound evidence. Para 4 says what you want him/her to do, as precisely as possible - keep it realistic and practicable ("For these reasons, in next week's debate, I urge you to vote against YYY"). And end.

Style: avoid emotion. Remain calm, polite and respectful. If you are angry, say so plainly ("I am writing to express my anger about XXX"), but keep it out of your language and your tone. The first insult will be the point at which s/he stops reading and files it.

Avoid "well known facts", generalisations, and phrases obviously lifted from yesterday's headlines. He/she will pay particular attention to constituents with personal experiences that are relevant to the debate. If your arguments can include such ("I have been personally affected by this policy in the following way: ..."), so much the better. It will not be the strength of your feelings that will influence him/her. If anything does it will be the authority with which you write.
posted by genesta at 12:12 PM on August 2 [1 favorite]

Seconding genesta's advice. I help draft correspondence for a politician and it is these letters - and not the ranters - that are likely to make the cogs of change turn in someone's mind. Unfortunately, you will be up against all the other people who want their elected representative to act on their behalf. How best to get their attention?

With this problem in mind, I would say that one or two excellently written sides is worth far less than one or two straightforward paragraphs IF those same one or two paragraphs are sent by a hundred people all writing as part of a campaign. Bonus points if a prominent and respected NGO is coordinating that campaign.

You are best off seeing if there are any pressure groups out there campaigning on the same issue and seeing if they are offering a standard letter and asking people to send it in.

If there are no groups, and you can't be bothered to start one, then go ahead and write anyway. Bear in mind, as genesta said, that in this context a compelling personal experience is useful when trying to be noticed.

I have occasionally noticed short, to-the-point letters that make a suggestions that are genuinely considered by policy makers ("Hmm, that might be a good idea..."). However, these tend to be on rather fiddly issues that most people don't normally think about. Generally, prominent issues are already covered.

In my experience (in, admittedly, a different country), if they publicise an email address they will be expecting people to use it to write in to them. Save yourself a stamp.
posted by marmaduke_yaverland at 12:51 PM on August 2 [1 favorite]