Write to Decision Makers

Whether you are writing to a politician or a letter to the editor, writing a letter is one of the most effective tools for action and expressing your concern. Here are some tips for writing effective letters to politicians and editors. 

Letters to Politicians

1. Be respectful. They are more likely to listen to your point if it is not accompanied by abuse.

2. Tell them something about yourself. A simple phrase such as "I have spent the last 20 years hiking in the Avalon Wilderness area" creates a mental image which brings you and your point alive.

3. Be concise. Write on only one issue at a time, and clearly state your point early in the letter. Try to keep the letter to one page.

4. Make sure you are writing to the correct person.Consider whether the issue is a federal or provincial one. Consider which cabinet minister is responsible for the issue.

5. Request that a particular action be taken. A request such as "Please release the Natural Areas Systems Plan immediately'' or "please suupport the establishment of a network of marine protected areas along our coast" has much more authority than "Please bare in mind the potential conflict between resource and natural values".

6. Aim for the public interest. Explain why you think your request will benefit the public as a whole, not simply you and your friends.

7. Get the facts right. You do not have to have all of the facts (much less recite them all), but the ones you put in your letter must be correct. Do not let the fact that you are not an expert prevent you from voicing your opinion.

8. Express yourself naturally.Remember that this is your expressing what is on your mind. You do not have to sound like Lester Pearson or Churchill.

9. Ask for a reply. The best closing sentence is "I look forward to receiving your response".

10. Consider if you should send a copy of the letter to anyone else. Your local representative should always receive a copy of a letter you send to the Prime Minister, Premier or any cabinet minister. We at the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Lands Coalition are also always happy to receive copies of the letters you send to elected officials.