To write an effective action letter, be as clear, factual and personal as possible. Point out how you and your home region would be impacted. Start with a compelling opening that clearly states your position and why you're writing. Provide specific examples and evidence to support your claims and conclude with a clear request for action from Earthjustice. Restate your position at the end.
We encourage you to customize each of the letters you send through our action alerts by adding personal messages with your own viewpoints and personal experiences. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Clarity and Conciseness
- Subject Line: Make it clear and concise, indicating the topic of your letter (e.g., "Support for [Specific Issue] in [Location]").
- First Paragraph: State your main point and why you're writing.
- Short Sentences and Paragraphs: Use clear, simple language, avoiding jargon or overly technical terms.
- Focus on One Issue: Don't try to address multiple complex issues in one letter.
2. Supporting Evidence and Examples
- Facts and Figures: If possible, include relevant data or statistics to strengthen your argument.
- Personal Anecdotes: If appropriate, share a brief, relevant personal experience to illustrate the impact of the issue.
3. Call to Action
- Be Specific: If you are contacting about specific legislation, be sure to reference the bill number in both the subject line and body of text or when speaking to your elected official's office. Clearly state what action you want. (e.g., "We urge you oppose climate change," or "We ask you to support [Specific Initiative]").
- Express Urgency: If there's a timeline for action, mention it to convey the importance of timely response.
4. Tone and Style
- Polite and Respectful: Even when expressing strong disagreement, maintain a respectful tone.
- Avoid Emotional Language: Focus on facts and reasoned arguments rather than emotional appeals.
- Proofread: Carefully check for any errors in grammar or spelling before sending.
5. Additional Tips
- Research: Before writing, familiarize yourself with the topic.
- Contact Information: Include your name, address, email address, and potentially your phone number.
- Spread the word: recruit friends, family and loved ones to write letters too! There's strength in numbers.
Want an example to use as a template? Example Letter