GOAL Legislative Advocacy

Writing to Your Legislators

You don't need to be a policy expert to communicate effectively with your elected officials. A short, respectful and personal message can make your position clear and help ensure your voice is part of the legislative process.

Your Message Matters

State legislators hear from many different people and organizations. One of the most important voices they hear, however, is the voice of the people they represent.

Your letter or email does not need to contain complicated legal arguments or technical explanations. Tell your legislator what you want them to do, explain why the issue matters to you and ask for a response.

Don't try to sound like a lobbyist.

Write like a constituent. Be respectful, be specific and explain how the issue affects you, your family or your community.

Find Your Massachusetts Legislators

Don't know who represents you? Use the Massachusetts Legislature's official tool to find your State Representative and State Senator.

FIND MY LEGISLATORS

Five Keys to an Effective Message

Effective legislative communication doesn't need to be complicated.

1

Be Courteous

Treat your legislator and staff respectfully even when you strongly disagree. A professional message is much more likely to be taken seriously.

2

Be Specific

Identify the issue or bill. Include the House or Senate bill number whenever you know it.

3

Ask for Action

Clearly state what you want your legislator to do: support it, oppose it, amend it or take another specific action.

4

Make It Personal

Explain how the proposal affects you personally. Real-world experiences often communicate more effectively than talking points.

5

Ask for a Response

Ask your legislator to tell you their position and what action they intend to take.

✓

Remember

Thank legislators when they support an issue important to you. Legislative communication shouldn't occur only when you disagree.

Short is often better.

Legislative offices receive a tremendous amount of correspondence. A clear message of two or three short paragraphs can often be more effective than several pages of technical arguments.

A Simple Letter Formula

If you aren't sure where to begin, use this five-part structure.

1. Identify
Tell them you are a constituent and identify where you live.
2. State
Identify the bill or issue and clearly state whether you support or oppose it.
3. Explain
Give your main reason for your position.
4. Personalize
Explain how the issue affects you, your family, business or community.
5. Ask
Tell your legislator exactly what you want them to do and ask for a response.

Keep These Tips in Mind

✓ Good Practices

  • Use your own words.
  • Identify yourself as a constituent.
  • Include the bill number when possible.
  • Focus on one main issue.
  • Use a personal example.
  • Clearly request an action.
  • Ask for a response.
  • Proofread before sending.

Things to Avoid

  • Personal attacks or insults.
  • Threatening language.
  • Long technical arguments you don't fully understand.
  • Trying to address too many issues in one message.
  • Copying long form letters without adding your own voice.
  • Making claims you cannot support.

Sample Letter or Email

Use this as a starting point — then make the message your own.

SAMPLE

A simple message is often enough.

Dear Representative / Senator [NAME] ,

My name is [YOUR NAME] , and I live in [CITY/TOWN]. As your constituent, I am writing regarding [HOUSE/SENATE BILL NUMBER OR ISSUE].

I am asking you to [SUPPORT / OPPOSE / AMEND] this proposal.

This issue is important to me because [EXPLAIN IN YOUR OWN WORDS HOW THE ISSUE AFFECTS YOU, YOUR FAMILY, BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY].

For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to [STATE THE ACTION YOU WANT]. I would also appreciate knowing your position on this issue and what action you intend to take.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our district.

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[CITY/TOWN]

Your Voice Is Part of the Process.

You don't need to write the perfect letter. Be respectful. Be specific. Be personal. Then tell your elected officials what you want them to do.