First things first
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Use the proper salutation at the beginning of your story.
- If you’re writing to your state legislator use, “Dear Senator ____” or “Dear Representative ____.”
- If you’re writing to your U.S. Senator or Representative use, “Dear Senator ____” or “Dear Congressman/Congresswoman ____”
- Identify yourself as a constituentThank your legislator for their past support. Letting them know that you appreciate their efforts, even if you disagree with their position, will make them more likely to listen.
- Legislators often receive more complaints than compliments, so it is beneficial if you position yourself as someone who recognizes they are working hard to represent you and your community.
Getting to Know You
Use the first part of your story to introduce yourself to your legislator. Try to keep the following questions in mind when you write your introduction:
- What is your name?
- What is your connection to MS?
- What specific bill concerns you?
- How does the bill affect you as an MS advocate?
To ensure your legislator understands how the bill specifically impacts you, please refer to only one bill. If there are additional bills or issues that affect you, feel free to write more than one letter.
In Your Own Words
Use the second part of your letter to describe your personal experience. Give your legislator a full, detailed picture of the problem you face and how the specific bill will positively impact and improve your life. Keep in mind these questions when you write the body of your story:
- Specifically, what challenge in your life caused you to write your story?
- How does the bill impact you with respect to your problem or challenge?
- If your legislator does not take action, how will your life be affected?
- If your legislator does take action on the bill, how will your life improve?
Remember, your voice and your words are persuasive because they are genuine. Be as honest and candid as you can.
Just to Recap
Use the last part of your story to remind your legislator why you wrote to him or her and what legislative action you want him or her to take. Keep in mind these questions as you write the conclusion or summary of your story:
- Why did you write to your legislator?
- What do you want your legislator to do?
- How will the legislator’s action positively impact your situation?
Please remember to thank your legislator at the end of your story for his or her time and consideration.
Pencils down
After you finish a draft of your story it is always a good idea to read it over. Be sure to check for the following items:
- Spelling, punctuation, grammar.
- The accuracy of any fact you refer to.
- Specificity. The specific bill number of the bill that impacts you. The specific action you want your legislator to take.
It is also important to re-read your story for brevity. Legislators always make time for their constituents, but they are very busy. Try to be succinct and keep your story to about one page. Need a second eye? Let the MS Society help!
A few more words of advice…
- Be civil, cordial and nice – don’t make demands or personal attacks.
- Never assume or presuppose – just because your legislator is a member of a particular political party doesn’t mean you surely know what their stance is on your issue. Your issues are important and personal and you’ll never know what their response might be.
- Build a relationship – Forming a relationship with your elected official is all about building rapport. Strike up conversation and talk about other things besides MS. It’s equally as important to build relationships with their staff.