Tips for sending correspondence:

Tell Your Story…

Respect and clarity are essential for effective communication. State your position clearly and simply. The use of some facts and figures to support your position shows that you have given thought to the issue and are invested in your position.

However, it is just as important for your elected leader to know how the issue affects you, your family and your community…so don’t forget to TELL YOUR STORY! Legislators have a number of sources giving them percentages and numbers related to a particular piece of legislation and the legal ramification of a proposed policy. The perspective that is missing in the education discussion is from parents and the effects of policies on families and communities. The best tool we have is to communicate the real impact education policies will have on our children and community. TELL YOUR STORY!!

Getting Started…

1. Start letters: Dear Senator (last name): and Dear Representative (last name):

2. ALWAYS INCLUDE YOUR LAST NAME AND ADDRESS ON THE LETTER OR E-MAIL. A letter cannot be answered if there is no return address and this shows you are a constituent.

3. USE YOUR OWN WORDS. Avoid form letters and petitions. They tend to be identified as organized pressure campaigns and are often answered with form replies. However, a petition does let the legislator know that the issue is of concern to a large number of people (addresses with zip codes should be given for each signature). One thoughtful, factual, and well-reasoned letter carries more weight than 100 form letters or printed postcards.

Send written correspondence to:

STATE SENATOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

The Honorable (full name) The Honorable (full name)

State Senator State Representative

State Capitol State Capitol

P.O. Box 30036 P.O. Box 30014

Lansing, MI 48909-7536 Lansing, MI 48909-7514

• Be specific. Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, be sure to identify its full name and number, e.g. House Bill: HB_____, Senate Bill: SB_____. Try to send your letter while the issue is still alive.

• State your position. Explain why you support or oppose this particular issue. Keep in mind that local examples concerning the impact of this legislation are very powerful. Be courteous and to the point, keeping your letter focused on one issue.

• Ask for a response. Indicate to your legislator that you would appreciate a reply containing his/her position on the issue. "Sincerely yours" is a proper way to conclude your letter.

Follow up. If you agree with your legislator's vote, take the time to let him/her know that. Similarly, if you disagree with his or her vote, inform your legislator.

From MASA Grassroots Toolkit

http://www.gomasa.org/services/legislative-letter-protocol

You can find more information on writing letters and emails in the Citizens Guide to State Government at http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/citizensguide.pdf, page 2.