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Instructions for Writing a Letter

THIS LETTER CAN BE 2 PAGES LONG BUT PLEASE FOLLOW EVERY STEP!!!

Writing a Letter to a Political Representative (I CHOOSE THE MAYOR OF NEWYORK)

MY topic is Abortion and undocumented women IN NEW YORK STATE!!! (I believe everyone has the right to decide whether they are documented or not.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/letterscongress.htm

(This is copied from the website)

Keep it Simple Your letter should address a single topic or issue. Typed, one-page letters are best. Many PACs (Political Action Committees) recommend a three-paragraph letter structured like this:

1. Say why you are writing and who you are. List your "credentials." (If you want a response, you must include your name and address, even when using email.) YOU CAN PUT ANY NAME,ADDRESS AND EMAIL, I WILL CHANGE IT LATER

2. Provide more detail. Be factual not emotional. Provide specific rather than general information about how the topic affects you and others. If a certain bill is involved, cite the correct title or number whenever possible.

3. Close by requesting the action you want taken: a vote for or against a bill, or change in general policy.

The best letters are courteous, to the point, and include specific supporting examples.

Addressing Members of Congress To Your Senator:

The Honorable (full name) (Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To Your Representative:

The Honorable (full name) (Room #) (Name) House Office Building United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative:

The above addresses should be used in email messages, as well as those sent through the Postal Service. Finding Their Addresses Senate and House of Representatives

U.S. Senators (web sites and mailing addresses)

Write Your U.S. Representative (A service of the House that will assist you by identifying your Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives and providing contact information.

U.S. Supreme Court Contact Information - US Supreme Court The Justices do not have email addresses, but they do read letters from citizens.

To Conclude Here are some key things you should always and never do in writing to your elected representatives.

1. Be courteous and respectful without "gushing."

2. Clearly and simply state the purpose of your letter. If it's about a certain bill, identify it correctly . If you need help in finding the number of a bill, use the Thomas Legislative Information System .

3. Say who you are. Anonymous letters go nowhere. Even in email, include your correct name, address, phone number and email address. If you don't include at least your name and address, you will not get a response.

4. State any professional credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those pertaining to the subject of your letter.

5. Keep your letter short -- one page is best.

6. Use specific examples or evidence to support your position.

7. State what it is you want done or recommend a course of action.

8. Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter.

Never

1. Use vulgarity, profanity, or threats. The first two are just plain rude and the third one can get you a visit from the Secret Service. Simply stated, don't let your passion get in the way of making your point,

2. Fail to include your name and address, even in email letters.

3. Demand a response.

Identifying Legislation

Cite these legislation identifiers when writing to members of Congress:

House Bills: "H.R._____" House Resolutions: "H.RES._____" House Joint Resolutions: "H.J.RES._____" Senate Bills: "S._____" Senate Resolutions: "S.RES._____" Senate Joint Resolutions: "S.J.RES._____

Writing letters to non-profit organizations, newspapers, television/radio, etc.

1. Each media source typically has “directions” for writing. Make sure to research what is expected.

If you don’t know a particular name, “Dear Editor” is appropriate for a newspaper, for example.

2. If you are contacting an organization, you may choose to contact the President, Executive Director, Chair of the Board of Directors, etc. You should research a name.

3. As with the instructions for politicians, be specific about your concerns. If you’re thanking someone, explain the good work that they’ve done. If you’re upset with their work and position on issues, explain why without being threatening or insulting.