Advocacy Letter Writing Tips
Reproduced with some adaptations by Shirley Humphries
from Letter Writing Tips printed in 2004 from online resource created by Global Response (Environmental Action & Education)
What Works?

- Polite, positive, informed letters work.
- A brief polite letter to each targeted official is better than a long letter to just one
official.
- Make your letter personal; tell why you care about the issue. Ask for a reply to your
letter.
- Include specific points or messages. Stick to the facts. One inaccuracy, innuendo or
accusation can invalidate an otherwise excellent letter.
- Suggest why it is in the interest of the targeted corporation, agency or government to
address the concern identified.
- Keep copies of your letters and the replies received. Copy the organization and/or
group affected or initiating the campaign.
Get Started!

Be polite, be positive, be well informed.
Include your name and full address.
Include the official's name and full address.

- Dear _______,
• The body or content of your letter should be expressed in three parts:
- 1) Identify the issue (Briefly describe the case and why it is important to you.)
- 2) Make a request for action that you would like to see the official take.
- 3) Thank the official for the official's time and request a response to your letter.
- Sincerely yours,
• Your name