1.    Say something nice.  Legislators are people too.  He/she has a difficult job.  Thank them for being a public servant.

2.    State your credentials.  Identify yourself as a constituent (translates into voter).  Also tell what you do and what your connection with the issue at hand is – teacher, homemaker, attorney, student…etc.  You have the authority that is uniquely yours.  No one is a greater authority on you than you.  Legislators are looking for a wide base of support for particular legislation.

3.    State your position on a particular issue or piece of legislation.  Tel why you have that position.  If you are comfortable doing so, personalize your position.  How are you or those you know impacted by the issue or legislation?  Legislators remember personal stories.

4.    Ask the legislator to support your position.

5.    Be brief and keep the letter to one page.

The tips above also apply to visits and phone calls to legislators.  Be courteous, clear, concise, and complete.  Above all, remember that legislators are people too.

Salutation for:

State Representative:     Dear Representative _____

State Senator:               Dear Senator _____

Governor:                      Dear Governor _____

Lt. Governor:                 Dear Lt. Governor _____

Speaker of the House:    Dear Mr. Speaker _____

Address for all State Legislators:

The Honorable _____
State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334

Adapted from Ahead of the Curve, “Tips for writing your state or federal legislators”, 2001.