Remember that you probably know more than your legislator about severe mental illness. Follow these tips for making sure your letter has maximum impact.
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Type or write legibly.
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If you are writing about a specific bill, include the bill number in the first few sentences or a reference ("RE:") line above the salutation.
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Be brief and to the point (preferably one page or less). Short letters get read!
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Use your own words and avoid the appearance of a form letter.
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Give your reasons for supporting or opposing a bill.
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Use a personal story, if possible.
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Be courteous and reasonable.
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Use correct grammar and short sentences.
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Include a newspaper article/editorial that supports your view
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Personalize the heading and salutation for each legislator to whom you send a letter.
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Proofread and spell check.
Do NOT …
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Be long winded.
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Be rude or threatening.
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Remind the legislator that you are a taxpayer.
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Use form letters (the form on www.congress.org is only for format and mailing, so this is an excellent tool.)
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Say, or even hint, that politics is sleazy or dishonorable (no matter what you think).
ADDRESS YOUR LETTER
The correct method of address is:
The Honorable (Name of Legislator)
(Your State Name) State (Senate or Assembly/House of Representatives)
State Capitol Building Room _____
City, State, ZIP Code
The salutation is "Dear Senator/Assemblyperson/Representative (Last Name)"
Please forward a copy of your letter to The President@IANH.org
EXAMPLE LETTER
NOTE: This letter is only an example. Please use your own words.
WRITING A LETTER
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:
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.____ for federal bills
Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
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)
__ (Rm. #) __ (name of) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator:
To a Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
__ (Rm. #) __ (name of) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative:
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:
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