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LETTER WRITING 101 |
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Mailing Address: US Defenders PO BOX 91928 Austin, TX 78709
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This COIR Booklet was printed under the expressed authorization of BGJ, Texas State Chairman of the Confederation of Clubs and the Coalition of Independent Riders. Copyright © February 13, 2008 COIRLtd All rights reserved Any copying, duplicating or otherwise reproducing this booklet for free distribution is strictly and highly encouraged. Dedicated in loving memory to JWR and to the men and women of the Texas Defenders. Letters and e-mails can be particularly effective in influencing legislators views. Writing to legislators also offers an opportunity to maintain contact and keep our issues on the front burner even when we cannot meet with them personally. _____________________________________________________________ When writing legislators there are a few basic rules and tips that will ensure that our Citizen Biker’s correspondence reaches State and US Legislators that represent us. Always be respectful (no matter how much it hurts). Do not threaten or make demands. Understand the issue(s) that you want action on. Do not use email symbols like “lol” or local expressions like “out yonder.” Keep the letter brief, simple, and to the point. Always include your full return address. Sign and address your letter in blue ink. _____________________________________________________________ Writing an effective (short) letter: 1st paragraph: Keep it brief and in your own words. Identify yourself and your district. Get to the point of what action you want your legislator to do or not to do and on what specific house bill (HR) or senate Bill (S). Ask the legislator how they stand on the issue and if you can count on their support. You can also request a response. 2nd paragraph: Offer any history of the bill like who sponsored it and where it is today in the process like in committee or on the floor for a vote. 3rd paragraph: Make it yours by describing how the bill affects you personally and why it is important for your representative to support you. In your closing, thank the legislator for taking the time to read your letter. Use the following link to identify your Texas State or US Congressmen or Senators and their mailing or email addresses. http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us When you address a letter or email to a state or US legislator always use the title “The Honorable” as in; The Honorable Lloyd Doggett. Always use the legislators name when starting the letter like “Dear Congressman McCaul or Dear Senator Hutchison.” Always include your full name and mailing address with zip code so your legislator can also identify you as a constituent. Always make a copy of your correspondence and any response you receive for you personal records and for TCOCIR documentation. See sample letters at sample letter 1 or sample letter 2. _____________________________________________________________ As Texas Citizen Bikers and constituents we have a vested interest in our state and US government and a responsibility to insure that honesty and integrity is the normal course of business and is not the exception. Only by expressing our opinions and concerns will elected officials learn what is important to us and our families. Casey TCOC&I & COIR Secretary of Defense |