Resources

How to Write a Letter to the Editor

Because many people read letters-to-the-editor (LTEs), they are a quick, effective and continuing means of communicating your campaign message to a wide audience. They can be used to correct and clarify facts in a news story, editorial or op-ed piece, oppose or support actions of an official agency, direct attention to a problem, spur news editors to cover an issue that is being overlooked, and urge readers to support your cause.

PICK A TIMELY TOPIC - Newspapers rarely publish letters about topics that are not being covered in the news. Referring to a previously published article or column will increase your letter's chances of being published.

RESEARCH THE GUIDELINES - Most papers' length limit on LTEs is around 250 words. Stick to this so that an editor does not cut out the important points of your letter. Some papers require a typed letter. Others may want it sent via e-mail. Often newspapers want your address and phone number so they can verify that you wrote the letter. You can usually find a paper's guidelines on the letters page. If not, call the paper directly or visit its Web site.

ASSUME NOTHING - Do not assume that your readers are informed on your topic. Give a concise but informative background before plunging into the main issue. Refer to any newspaper article or editorial by date and title. Also include any relevant credentials that prove you are informed about your topic.

BE BRIEF - State your position as succinctly as possible without eliminating necessary detail. Keep your paragraphs short. Long rambling sentences and digressions will cause people to lose interest quickly. Stick to one subject.

MAINTAIN COMPOSURE - It is okay to express outrage, but it should be kept under control. Avoid personal attacks and focus instead on criticizing specific policies or ideas.

FIND A LOCAL ANGLE - Readers are more interested in an issue when they see how it affects their lives and communities. Find a way to show how budget cuts or environmental policies will affect this particular readership.

AVOID FORM LETTERS - Do not send the same letter to two competing papers in the same circulation area. A form letter sent to papers in different markets should look like an original and all letters should be signed individually.

Tips on Telephoning Your Representatives

To find your representative's phone number, you may call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator's and/or Representative's office.

Remember that telephone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue on which you wish to comment.

After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S.___/H.R.___)."

You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your Senator or Representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.

Tips on Writing Congress

The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:

1. Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H.R. ____, Senate bill: S. ____.
2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
3. Address only one issue in each letter, and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.

Addressing Correspondence:

To a Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To a Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:

Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:

or Dear Mr. Speaker:

Other Contact Information

Contacting the White House:
The White House Phone Numbers:

Comments: (202) 456-1111
Fax: (202) 456-2461

Mailing Address:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Contacting EPA:
Mailing Address for Administrator Mike Leavitt:

Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC, 20460

Note: EPA is still not receiving its mail through regular routing and the agency is receiving less than 70 percent of the total mail being sent to them. At this time it is still best to contact the EPA via e-mail.
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/comments.htm