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Tips on How To Write Letters If you want to write a letter to mail or fax to your legislators, here are some tips: · First, know that your letter will be read! Legislative staff read every letter sent to the legislator. And the legislators themselves read most of the individual letters, especially those that are thoughtful or contain individual information about specific cases. · So, it’s better to send a personal letter than a “canned” letter written by someone else. But a canned letter is better than no letter. And it is probably better to send a canned letter than a pre-printed postcard. But a preprinted postcard is better than no letter! Individual letters get read, but pre-printed postcards get stacked and counted, and stacked and counted is better than no communication at all. · It’s generally best to keep your letter short and to the point. No need for a three page single-spaced massive missive! · But, having said that, it’s always helpful to include specific information about how the status quo or the legislation in question or lack of funding impacts your family or family member who suffers from mental illness. Most legislators don’t know a whole lot about mental illness, so it’s up to us to educate ‘em! The more people know, the more sympathetic they usually are. · And you might offer to meet with the legislator to provide more information. Legislators spend most of their time back in their home districts and love to meet with constituents; that’s how they generate votes. If you want, you might organized a joint visit with fellow NAMIans. Just call the legislator’s local office and make an appointment. · Since Illinois legislative districts, especially house districts, are small, it’s not unheard of for a state legislator to make a phone call asking for more information or expressing sympathy with your problem. You probably won’t get a phone call, but don’t be surprised if you do! · If you know a bill number, it’s always helpful to mention it. (eg. “I hope you will support HB 750.) But don’t worry if you don’t know the bill number, just write about the problem or issue. Also, bill numbers sometimes change as parts of one bill are amended onto another bill. · It doesn’t help to say that you are a taxpayer; we all are. And no need to threaten not to vote for the legislator again; it’s rather insulting, and the legislators all know that when they displease their constituents, they generate votes for the other guy! · Be sure to sign your letter and include a return address. Anonymous letters generally don’t count for much. Including your phone number might help too. (See above.) · If you are mailing the letter to your Illinois state legislator’s Springfield office, the generally used address is Hon. _______________ Illinois General Assembly Springfield, IL 62706
· If your are writing to your US Congressman or Senators, the generally used address is Hon. _________________ United States House of Representative Washington, DC 20515 Or Hon. _________________ United States Senate Washington, DC 20510
· The generally used greeting is Dear Senator (or Representative) _______________
· During the period from February through May the Illinois state legislature is generally in session, so you might want to send the letter or fax to your legislators’ Springfield offices. During the rest of the year, it will probably be faster to send your letter to your legislators’ local offices. (Click here for a list of legislators and their local addresses.) · The US is in session most of the year, but the members of Congress spend as much time back in Illinois as they can, so you can contact either their Washington DC or their Chicago area offices. · An important part of legislative advocacy is registering to vote.. Quite obviously, legislators pay more attention to those who can vote than to those who can’t! If you aren’t registered to vote and would like to find out how, click here.
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