Maine Biker Network
" Maine Bikers Helping Maine Bikers "
How to Write a Letter to Your Legislators
To All Concerned Motorcyclists
By Joshua Herndon
State Rep – Motorcycle Riders Foundation
From time to time as a legislative season progresses it could become necessary to engage the motorcyclists of Maine to help legislators decide whether they will support or oppose legislation pertaining to motorcyclist rights. When dealing with issues of a legislative nature it is of the utmost importance that the whole motorcycle riding community be engaged in a letter writing campaign. Legislators depend on opinions of their constituents when making decisions about pending legislation. Therefore it is to your advantage to form a relationship with your representatives of government, both state and federal. To aid you in the art of communicating with them, I have written an introductory guide on how to structure a letter that will be an effective tool should you decide that your rights are worth the effort.
Times have changed a lot recently and the internet has become an accepted standard of communication for legislators. The format is a little less formal and sometimes more direct so you have a choice as to methods of communication preferred. Either method is acceptable. You just have to think about which one will be more effective under the circumstances. If it is an issue that is not pressing for time I will use snail mail because it gives them something tangible to hold, not just words on a monitor screen. Physical mail has another purpose too and that is to flood a legislator(s) office with correspondence to show the magnitude of support or opposition to a piece of legislation. An e-mail is just words on a screen in a folder, but it is hard to ignore a stack of U S Mail.
How to Write a Letter to Your Legislators
Handwritten letters are fine, as long as they are easily read. People who cannot write legibly should type the letter. Use dark ink on white paper. Avoid pink, purple, red ink. Use blue or black ink and white paper.
Your name and address should appear at the top right of your letter, not just on the envelope
The date is next, centered. Note that sometimes the date is critical. For instance, if your letter arrives after your issue is already voted on, it is too late to help make an impact.
.
The next thing should be the proper address for whomever you are writing -again- not just on the envelope, but here inside the letter. I will list an example. This goes both on the envelope and then inside your letter on the left.
Senator Debra Plowman
P O Box XXXX
Hampden, ME 04444-0468
The next thing is the salutation. This is where we use their title. An example:
Dear Senator Plowman,
Always begin your letter by identifying yourself as their constituent and identifying your issue. Example, "As a resident of your district, I am writing to tell you about my feelings about LD 1675, An Act To Reduce Noise Caused by Motorcycles and Improve Public Health, and why I would like you to vote against this bill."
Always identify legislation you support or oppose by using the bill number; and the bill title if you can. If there is any related legislation, a legislator or staffer might think your letter is about something different than you intended it to be.
Although you should be courteous throughout your letter, you do not have to apologize for taking a legislator's time; they work for and represent you. It is not ever a good idea to say anything like "I hope this letter gets past your secretary". It irritates staffers and frankly, staffers can be a lot of help to us so it is not a good idea to irritate them. The letter should be courteous throughout as we do not want to alienate “anyone”, we are simply asking for support to pass or defeat legislation. Explaining why we are asking for it, or sharing why we feel the way we do helps them understand our position better and can mean the difference whether we gain their support or not .
Example; "You may not be aware, but this bill has turned into a bill requiring that an inspection sticker be displayed on a motorcycle registered in Maine. Motorcycles already have to be inspected by law and the certificate has to be carried with the registration instead of being displayed. I feel the committee thinks that if a sticker can be seen on the motorcycle then the motorcycle is operating legally, therefore the noise problem will be diminished.”
Give reasons for your position on the legislation you are writing about. Be reasonable and feel free to personalize the impact the legislation will have on you, your family, business, state, or community. Example; “I think a displayed sticker will not solve the noise problem. Better enforcement of our current laws is the best way to reduce excessive vehicle noise.”
Don't assume they know how you will be affected by the legislation you are writing about because the fact is that many times they do not even have a clue. This is your letter and your chance - tell them about it.
Always recommend what a legislator should do, tell them what action they should take, ask them to support your legislation, etc. Never demand, order or threaten. Don't ask them to do the impossible. Your letter should present you as a reasonable and courteous person.
It is important to remember that when you are communicating with your legislators in person or in a letter that most legislation is the result of compromise. Often times, there is give and take, push and pull that lead to whatever legislation is finally produced.
It is important not to be threatening. Don't brag about your political influence or threaten how you or your organization will vote in future elections.
At the end of your letter, be sure to close by clearly asking for the action you wish for and that your legislator share their position on the issue. Example; "I urge you to vote no on LD 1675 should it be presented to the full Senate in its current form. Please let me know where you stand on this issue."
When closing your letter thank them for their time and public service. Your name should be legibly printed or typed and then sign your name above your printed signature.
Example;
Sincerely,
XXX XYXYX
Our GRASS ROOTS EDGE.
It is also VERY important to write your legislator when you approve of something they have done. We are poised to capitalize on things like this in a LARGE way. Know that not many people get involved in communicating with their legislators. Our doing so is how we wield power reserved for effective grassroots organizations.
The only thing fewer than the number of people who take the time to communicate with their legislators is the number of people who take the time to express their appreciation or thanks. It is sad but true. Most people who contact them are mad, and almost all of them want something. Please capitalize on every opportunity to say THANK YOU.
These expressions of appreciation will be remembered longer than you know because they can be very rare. Taking the time to make contact with your elected officials when you do not want something or to say thank you is a VERY valuable part of legislative grassroots politicking. It puts you and our organization in a very positive light.
By Joshua Herndon
State Rep – Motorcycle Riders Foundation
From time to time as a legislative season progresses it could become necessary to engage the motorcyclists of Maine to help legislators decide whether they will support or oppose legislation pertaining to motorcyclist rights. When dealing with issues of a legislative nature it is of the utmost importance that the whole motorcycle riding community be engaged in a letter writing campaign. Legislators depend on opinions of their constituents when making decisions about pending legislation. Therefore it is to your advantage to form a relationship with your representatives of government, both state and federal. To aid you in the art of communicating with them, I have written an introductory guide on how to structure a letter that will be an effective tool should you decide that your rights are worth the effort.
Times have changed a lot recently and the internet has become an accepted standard of communication for legislators. The format is a little less formal and sometimes more direct so you have a choice as to methods of communication preferred. Either method is acceptable. You just have to think about which one will be more effective under the circumstances. If it is an issue that is not pressing for time I will use snail mail because it gives them something tangible to hold, not just words on a monitor screen. Physical mail has another purpose too and that is to flood a legislator(s) office with correspondence to show the magnitude of support or opposition to a piece of legislation. An e-mail is just words on a screen in a folder, but it is hard to ignore a stack of U S Mail.
How to Write a Letter to Your Legislators
Handwritten letters are fine, as long as they are easily read. People who cannot write legibly should type the letter. Use dark ink on white paper. Avoid pink, purple, red ink. Use blue or black ink and white paper.
Your name and address should appear at the top right of your letter, not just on the envelope
The date is next, centered. Note that sometimes the date is critical. For instance, if your letter arrives after your issue is already voted on, it is too late to help make an impact.
.
The next thing should be the proper address for whomever you are writing -again- not just on the envelope, but here inside the letter. I will list an example. This goes both on the envelope and then inside your letter on the left.
Senator Debra Plowman
P O Box XXXX
Hampden, ME 04444-0468
The next thing is the salutation. This is where we use their title. An example:
Dear Senator Plowman,
Always begin your letter by identifying yourself as their constituent and identifying your issue. Example, "As a resident of your district, I am writing to tell you about my feelings about LD 1675, An Act To Reduce Noise Caused by Motorcycles and Improve Public Health, and why I would like you to vote against this bill."
Always identify legislation you support or oppose by using the bill number; and the bill title if you can. If there is any related legislation, a legislator or staffer might think your letter is about something different than you intended it to be.
Although you should be courteous throughout your letter, you do not have to apologize for taking a legislator's time; they work for and represent you. It is not ever a good idea to say anything like "I hope this letter gets past your secretary". It irritates staffers and frankly, staffers can be a lot of help to us so it is not a good idea to irritate them. The letter should be courteous throughout as we do not want to alienate “anyone”, we are simply asking for support to pass or defeat legislation. Explaining why we are asking for it, or sharing why we feel the way we do helps them understand our position better and can mean the difference whether we gain their support or not .
Example; "You may not be aware, but this bill has turned into a bill requiring that an inspection sticker be displayed on a motorcycle registered in Maine. Motorcycles already have to be inspected by law and the certificate has to be carried with the registration instead of being displayed. I feel the committee thinks that if a sticker can be seen on the motorcycle then the motorcycle is operating legally, therefore the noise problem will be diminished.”
Give reasons for your position on the legislation you are writing about. Be reasonable and feel free to personalize the impact the legislation will have on you, your family, business, state, or community. Example; “I think a displayed sticker will not solve the noise problem. Better enforcement of our current laws is the best way to reduce excessive vehicle noise.”
Don't assume they know how you will be affected by the legislation you are writing about because the fact is that many times they do not even have a clue. This is your letter and your chance - tell them about it.
Always recommend what a legislator should do, tell them what action they should take, ask them to support your legislation, etc. Never demand, order or threaten. Don't ask them to do the impossible. Your letter should present you as a reasonable and courteous person.
It is important to remember that when you are communicating with your legislators in person or in a letter that most legislation is the result of compromise. Often times, there is give and take, push and pull that lead to whatever legislation is finally produced.
It is important not to be threatening. Don't brag about your political influence or threaten how you or your organization will vote in future elections.
At the end of your letter, be sure to close by clearly asking for the action you wish for and that your legislator share their position on the issue. Example; "I urge you to vote no on LD 1675 should it be presented to the full Senate in its current form. Please let me know where you stand on this issue."
When closing your letter thank them for their time and public service. Your name should be legibly printed or typed and then sign your name above your printed signature.
Example;
Sincerely,
XXX XYXYX
Our GRASS ROOTS EDGE.
It is also VERY important to write your legislator when you approve of something they have done. We are poised to capitalize on things like this in a LARGE way. Know that not many people get involved in communicating with their legislators. Our doing so is how we wield power reserved for effective grassroots organizations.
The only thing fewer than the number of people who take the time to communicate with their legislators is the number of people who take the time to express their appreciation or thanks. It is sad but true. Most people who contact them are mad, and almost all of them want something. Please capitalize on every opportunity to say THANK YOU.
These expressions of appreciation will be remembered longer than you know because they can be very rare. Taking the time to make contact with your elected officials when you do not want something or to say thank you is a VERY valuable part of legislative grassroots politicking. It puts you and our organization in a very positive light.
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© 2012 Created by Jeff Neil MBN Founder.
