Keep your e-mail/letter clear and short

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Keep your e-mail/letter clear and
short - ideally deal with just one
topic.
Be polite. Being aggressive won't help
your case.
If a politician already supports the
issue you care about, thank them for
their concern - it may further develop
his/her interest in the issue.
Make it a personal statement. It
will have far more impact.
Explain how you are affected by
the issue and what your views are.
If you have any special training or
expertise in the subject, say so.
Remember to include your name and
address.
Request an answer to your email/letter - you can find out how your
political representative intends to act.
If you are writing about a
particular piece of legislation,
include the title of the bill.
Write a follow-up. Depending on the
outcome it may be a thank you or a
polite expression of disappointment!

© Citizenship Foundation
Charity Reg No 801360
Author: M. Heath
www.gogivers.org
Click here for more Go-Givers resources.
Date
Your address
Their address
Heading ,
making it clear
what the letter
is about
Dear ………..
Campaign to Save Renton Common
I am writing to express my concern at the way Renton town is encroaching on the common.
As I am sure you aware, Slabbo Builders PLC are seeking planning permission to build a further fifty
houses on the northern edge of the common.
Personal
statement
explaining
how you are
affected.
The common has been used by local people for over five hundred years. I believe that t is as popular now
as it ever was in the past. It is one of the few places where people can go to take exercise, get some fresh
air, and enjoy some wildlife in this built up area. I go there every day with my granddad to walk our dog.
Many people in my neighbourhood were extremely appreciative of the way you took action to stop the
previous application on the south side of the common, and we are hoping that you will lend your support to
our campaign again. Once the common is built on, it will be lost to local residents for ever!
Paragraph
showing
appreciation for
what s/he has
already done
I would be grateful if you would write and let me know whether we can count on your support.
Yours truly,
Your signature
Print your
name here
© Citizenship Foundation
Charity Reg No 801360
Author: M. Heath
www.gogivers.org