Contact Officials & the Media
Contact Your Local Officials
Elected and public officials must be made aware of the concerns of the people they represent. Writing a letter or calling your representatives is an important and easy way to make sure your opinions are considered. Find an Official or Legislator »
Tips for Writing to Officials
Writing a letter is one of the most important ways that you can reach your elected representatives. Many legislators look at the volume of mail they receive on a given issue to help them determine what action to take. By sending a letter, and encouraging your family and friends to write as well, you can make sure your opinions are being considered.
Here are some tips for writing public officials:
- Use a business format for the letter with your contact information and the current date. It's important to include your full address.
- Introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Identify yourself as a constituent and tell them a little bit about you (health professional, patient, etc.).
- State what specific issue or concern you're writing about and what action you want the elected official to take.
- Stick to one main issue in your letter. If possible, your letter should not be more than one page.
- Don't be afraid to share a personal story. If you have experienced the effects of chronic disease firsthand, tell them. It helps make your issue and request stand out and makes it easier for the elected official to understand and address your concerns.
- Be courteous and thank your elected official for his or her time.
- Ask for a response.
Contact the Media
Letters to the editor and opinion articles provide important opportunities to express your views. Community leaders and policymakers frequently read opinion pieces to gain understanding of public opinion on current issues.
Tips for Writing to the Media
Letters to the editor and opinion articles can generally address a current issue or specifically respond to an article or editorial previously published in a newspaper. To be fully effective in writing and submitting letters to the editor and opinion articles, it's important to remember these best practices:
- Decide which response is best.
Letters to the editor are short and concise, generally under 125 words in length. Opinion articles tend to be longer (up to 250 words) and are often authored by community and business leaders, policymakers, and scholars. - Be brief and specific.
State your purpose for writing at the beginning of your response. If your response pertains to a previously published article or editorial, refer to it specifically. It's best to stay focused on one topic, especially for letters to the editor. Remember to keep your letters to the appropriate length. - Stick to the facts.
Referring to documented studies and statistics in your letter will enhance its effect, but don't overdo it. Only make statements you can back up with facts.
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