Sharing Your Story: Letter Writing Tips

One of the number one things affecting our environments from our coastal shorelines, to our Mid-Western ranch lands, to our national parks is legislation that is passed by our political representatives both at the state and federal levels.

As seen in our recent film screening of Shored Up, our General Assembly here in North Carolina effectively passed a bill so as to outlaw the use of scientific data on sea level rise in planning our coastal communities. This particular bill and many others at the state and federal level are harming our ecosystems by encouraging construction in some of the most ecologically vulnerable areas and sometimes the most dangerous areas. I think Stephen Colbert explains it best:

The Colbert Report
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But once you have voted, how can you influence the political arena; especially considering you might not have the money to throw at politicians the way lobbyist do?

WRITE THEM A LETTER! 

As one of the most basic form of advocacy, personal hand-written letters that share your story, experiences, and opinions on the topic of concern still remains the best way to communicate your needs to your representative. As any politician knows, the way to continuously get elected is to take care of the needs and concerns of your constituents.

Tips for Letter Writing

1. Say why you are writing and who you are. Include your name and your address, this ensure that you get a response (politicians only read the letters from their own constituents).
2. Be factual rather than emotional and provide specific examples on how this topic affects you and others in your same voting district. If a certain bill is involved, cite the correct title or number.
3. Close by requesting the action you want taken: a vote for or against a bill, or change in general policy.

The best letters are courteous, to the point, and include specific supporting examples that make your letter personal. Tell your story, say how this piece of legislation will or is affecting you, and always make it hand-written!

Helpful Links

Bill Lookups for you to find the specific title of the bill to reference in your letter and so you can read the piece of legislation for yourself (or at least a summary):

NC General Assembly Legislation 
US Congress Legislation

Find out who your political representative is and their mailing address:
NC General Assembly Districts
US House Districts