Sitting down and writing an original letter to a politician isn’t as convenient as sending a form letter or email composed by someone else, but it is much more effective and much more likely to receive a personalised response.
Starting out
1) Start broad. Work out what the issue is you are passionate about. Now get specific. What change do you want to see? What message do you want to deliver?
2) Do background research. This will help you to refine your thinking on the issue and will give you information to support your view and argue your case.
3) You might want to try and find out:
Statistics—has any relevant research been done which could support your case? For example: if you were writing a letter to the Minister for Health about banning smoking in clubs and pubs you might want to find out how many people have suffered health problems as a result of second hand smoke.
Who has done what. What actions have been taken by the government? By the opposition and minor parties? By organisations who are passionate about the issue?
Who thinks what?
What’s the government’s view?
Where do the opposition and minor parties stand on the issue?
What views are presented by key organisations?
Any other interesting facts?
Has there been a recent demonstration?
Has the issue received any media attention? 4) Ideas for where to search:
The website of the government department responsible
Federal or state parliament websites. Here you can search Hansard, which is the transcript of parliament. It’s great for finding out who said what. You can also find out about any Bills (laws) that are being introduced that affect your issue. The easiest way to learn about a Bill is to read the Minister’s Second Reading Speech or the Explanatory Memorandum (EM). Both should clearly explain what the Bill is about.
Political party websites. Websites of key organisations involved in your issue.
5) Which politician? Make sure you address the letter to the right politician. There are heaps of tools in the ActNow government toolkit that will help you work this out. Tips for writing the letterLanguageUse formal language but remember you are expressing your point of view, so phrases like ‘I feel’ and ‘I want to see’ are good to include. Be politeBeing abusive or offensive won’t do you any favours—you can be firm and state your case without being rude.
LayoutContact details:
Include your name and contact details in the top right-hand corner of the page
Include their name and contact details underneath on the left-hand side of the page Form of address:
Dear Prime Minister
Dear Premier
Dear Minister
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr (surname) Introduction:
State what the issue is
State what you want done about it Body:
Focus on two or three main points which support your view. Use examples from your research as evidence. Conclusion:
Reiterate your view expressed in the introduction
Pick one strong example from your letter to back up your point
Ask for the politician to respond to your letter
Conclude with a salutation, e.g. regards, yours sincerely
http://www.actnow.com.au/Tool/How_to_write_a_letter_to_a_politician.aspx
Ron Payne
Welfare Legal
Hamilton, Ontario
Email welfarelegal2004@hotmail.com
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1 comment:
Good points. This method used to work with Mike Harris, but with McGuinty it is a complete waste of time. Harris at least signed the form letters or at times made a few relevent comments.
With McGuinty, the replies either don't come, come as a form letter with no signature and sometimes no date, or come back with instructions to write directly to the appropriate Minister.
I have followed his instructions, and sent the letter directly to Minister Madeleine Meilleur about ODSP and Accessibility related issues, and I never got the courtesy of a reply.
With this government it has been my experience that if the letter is really short and basically says nothing (except a brief complaint), then you will get a form letter in return. If it is an opinion, you might get a form letter, and if it is long because it tells the story, includes some facts, and then points out the policy issue, you will never get the courtesy of a reply.
It blows my mind that the Premier doesn't exercise the simple common courtesy of reading the letter, and then assigning it to the appropriate minister himself. So much for oversight.
Has your experience been different?
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