{"id":448,"date":"2022-01-03T16:38:11","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T16:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/pennsylvania\/resources\/writing-effective-letters-to-your-legislators\/"},"modified":"2022-01-03T16:38:11","modified_gmt":"2022-01-03T16:38:11","slug":"writing-effective-letters-to-your-legislators","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/pennsylvania\/resources\/writing-effective-letters-to-your-legislators\/","title":{"rendered":"Writing Effective Letters to your Legislators"},"template":"","class_list":["post-448","resource","type-resource","status-publish","hentry","resource_type-guide"],"acf":{"details":{"summary":"","featured_image":"","resource_type":225,"authors":null,"related_issues":false,"related_work":false,"location":41},"sidebar":{"helper_enable_sidebar":false,"helper_media_contact":{"heading":"Media Contact","manually_enter_person":false,"person":null,"name":"","role":"","phone":"","email":""},"helper_links_downloads":{"heading":"Links & Downloads","links":null}},"page_layout":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"Here are some tips that can help make sure your letter gets read.\r\n\r\n<b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Use formal titles when addressing letters<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:320,&quot;335559739&quot;:220,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">When referring to members of Congress, it is best to use their formal titles.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">State and federal Senators should always be referred to and addressed as \u201cSenator [Last name]\u201d<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Members of the U.S. House of Representatives may be referred to as \u201cCongresswoman\/Congressman [Last name]\u201d, \u201cMs.\/Mr. [Last name]\u201d, or \u201cRepresentative [Last Name]\u201d<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Members of the PA House of Representatives may be referred to as \u201cRepresentative [Last name]\u201d or \u201cMs.\/Mr. [Last name]\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can find the names and contact information for all of your representatives <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/find-your-representative\/\">here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Address your letter properly.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re sending a physical letter (as opposed to an email), address the envelope as follows:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">For US Senators:<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Honorable (Full Name)<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">(Senate Office Building address)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">United States Senate<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Washington, DC 20510<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dear Senator [Last name]:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">For US Representatives:\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">The Honorable (Full Name)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">United States House of Representatives<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">Washington, DC 20515<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">Dear Representative\/Congressman\/Congresswoman [Last name]:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the PA legislature is in session (you can check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.state.pa.us\/\">here<\/a>), send the letter to the legislator\u2019s Harrisburg office. If they\u2019re not currently in session, send it to their local office (you can find that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.state.pa.us\/cfdocs\/legis\/home\/findyourlegislator\/#address\">here<\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">For State Senators:\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Honorable (Full Name)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pennsylvania State Senator for (District)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate P.O. Box (insert P.O. Box number)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">Main Capitol Building<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">Harrisburg, PA 17120<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dear Senator [Last name]:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">For State Representatives:\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">The Honorable (Full Name)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">House P.O. Box (insert P.O. Box number)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">Main Capitol Building<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"none\">Harrisburg, PA 17120<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">D<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ear Representative [Last name]:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be clear about who you are.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Of course, you want to let your legislator know that you are their constituent. But who else are you? Are you a leader in your community? An expert in the field you\u2019re writing to them about? Someone who\u2019s been directly affected by the issue you want to bring to their attention? If you\u2019ve met this legislator before or have a personal connection, feel free to mention that. Personal stories and connections are important; make sure you briefly introduce yourself and include relevant information.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be direct and concise.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Every year thousands of bills are introduced in the legislature, so it\u2019s important to state your position right away and keep your argument brief.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li data-leveltext=\"\u25cf\" data-font=\"Arial, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose one issue or piece of legislation to discuss.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-leveltext=\"\u25cf\" data-font=\"Arial, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If there is already a bill introduced, use the bill number (ex. SB001, HB002). If a bill hasn\u2019t been introduced yet, clearly explain the issue.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-leveltext=\"\u25cf\" data-font=\"Arial, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose the three most important pieces of information to share.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-leveltext=\"\u25cf\" data-font=\"Arial, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be clear about what you want your legislator to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-leveltext=\"\u25cf\" data-font=\"Arial, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Letters should be no more than one page and emails should be about 500 words.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be informative and factual.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Legislators can\u2019t be experts in everything, so your role as a citizen advocate should be one of educating them on important issues. Make sure you have the best information on your topic and make sure you relate the issue to how it affects your community. Offer to provide any additional information your lawmaker may need to consider your request.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be civil.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even if your legislator has completely opposite views than you, civil discourse is the best choice when advocating for legislation or policy. You can (and should) make a strong case for your position, but doing so in a civil tone will have a much more positive impact.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow up.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remember to request a reply and provide your contact information. If you don\u2019t hear back, write a follow-up letter. If your legislator acts favorably to your request (introduced legislation, votes for a bill you support, speaks out on an issue, etc.) send a thank you note.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span>"}}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Writing Effective Letters to your Legislators - Common Cause Pennsylvania<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/pennsylvania\/resources\/writing-effective-letters-to-your-legislators\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Writing Effective Letters to your Legislators\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/pennsylvania\/resources\/writing-effective-letters-to-your-legislators\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Common Cause Pennsylvania\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/pennsylvania\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/common-cause-share-image.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/pennsylvania\/resources\/writing-effective-letters-to-your-legislators\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/pennsylvania\/resources\/writing-effective-letters-to-your-legislators\/\",\"name\":\"Writing Effective Letters to your Legislators - 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