Basic letter writing

[JpPassenger]

I came across this on the CalGuns site. It's what I've always understood, but I think this guy puts it succinctly.

We just replace guns with wheeling.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...t=92230&page=6
AUTHOR: Anthonysmanifesto
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some of you are old salts , some may be first time listeners/callers

please consider these points when crafting a letter

remember your honorifics and salutations

Honorable Bob Smith
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

the person opening the mail should be immediately aware of what the topic will be

RE: AB 123 ( Author) "firearms"

Status: are you writing to a member of a committee who will actually be voting on this bill anytime soon? let the person opening all the mail know that his letter belongs to the staffer handling that committee by inserting the following

TO BE HEARD IN PUBLIC SAFETY

titles are Senator, assemblymember, assemblyman, assemblywoman
Dear Assemblyman Smith,

the text will be skimmed

I write in opposition to AB 123 as it would impact my person/hobby/business/ trade/ sensibilites etc...in the following

Bullit point

bullit point

bullit point

close

thank you for your attention to the this important matter

Name

Address

why point out basic letter writing? I am personally aware that the flood of correspondence in the Capitol is not always easily digestible and makes it harder for folks opinions to be tabulated.

interns everywhere will be grateful.

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[Roger]

This is good information, thanks for posting

[JpPassenger]

I'd like to point out that letters on real paper with real stamps, or real faxes are more effective than calling or emailing. A stack of letters has weight, dimensions, it's tactile. A message in an overloaded inbox is just another visual element which is easily overlooked or deleted. A voice mail or phone conversation is just as forgettable.

Think of your own overloaded inbox -- isn't that easier to ignore than the pile the letter carrier delivers?

Cheers,
Greg

[sarah]

Very nice, thank you!

[Materdaddy]

I'd like to point out that letters on real paper with real stamps, or real faxes are more effective than calling or emailing. A stack of letters has weight, dimensions, it's tactile. A message in an overloaded inbox is just another visual element which is easily overlooked or deleted. A voice mail or phone conversation is just as forgettable.

Think of your own overloaded inbox -- isn't that easier to ignore than the pile the letter carrier delivers?

Cheers,
Greg

I agree... Sarah, you listening? ... I'm on it just as soon as I get some free time!

[Max7]

Supplement to basic letter writting and thanks!

JPpassenger,
I wanted to thank you for posting this informative model, which I have used in writing several letters that have been sent to my Mayor, Town Council members, Congressman, Senators, Governor, County Supervisor, President of the United States, BLM Planners, and News Media. Your help made it possible. Thank you.
Here is an additional supplement to your model that I though provides some helpful elements.
Best, Max7

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YOUR LETTERS ARE IMPORTANT - Letter Writing Tips and Talking Points

Some people feel that their voice is so small it won't be heard so why bother. Wrong! The "voice" not hear is the one not spoken.

Now is the time for everyone to speak their mind about access to public lands. WE (as in everyone with a vested interest in access to public lands) MUST get involved.

Few people actually take the time and effort to write and call about issues. Those that do make the effort are the ones that are heard and the ones that influence the decision.

The "anti-access" groups know this and are constantly pushing their members to write and call. While they make up only a small percentage of people, they portray themselves as "the public".

We need to engage the same tactic if we expect to influence the management policy to keep access to public lands. The lack of response indicates agreement with restrictive management policies.

SILENCE IMPLIES CONSENT!!!

DO's

* Write a letter, make a call. Personal calls and letters have much more impact than petitions or form letters.
* Use logic. Not emotion.
* Make your letter short. Address only ONE major point. Make that point in the first sentence of the letter. Three short letters have more impact than a single long letter.
* Let the reader know your concerns, be specific.
* Emphasize your recreation is something of value to you and others
* Mention your love of the outdoors and the concern for the environment.
* Add something personal/family orientation. A photo of you and your family on a trail is important. Show that you and your family have been visiting this place for 20 years and closing the road will hurt family values.
* Get others to write or call. Get your family, friends, parents, club members, and neighbors to be involved. Help them write letters. Show them what THEY are losing by road closures.
* Ask for a response and request that you be given the opportunity to discuss the related issues in the future. You need to establish yourself as an interested party.
* Ask to be put on their mailing list.

DON'T

* Don't be nasty, negative, angry, or personal. This immediately sets up an adversarial situation which is counter-productive.
* Don't tell the politician/bureaucrat you are their boss (taxpayer). It is proper to mention you are one of the politician's voting constituents.
* Don't attack the opposing view point. It is proper to disagree with others or with the interpretation/implementation of a law. Opposition must be for rational and logical reasons -- not emotional reasons.

TALKING POINTS

* Access to our public lands is what everyone needs to use and enjoy them. Without access, these lands may as well be in another country.
* Roads are a valid access for the majority of citizens. Without them, only the extremely capable hikers with lots of time can use and enjoy our public lands.
* The very young, the old, and the disabled are definitely being discriminated against when their access by roads is taken away. "Road-less" equals "access-less" for the majority of citizens. This is just as bad a form of discrimination as gender, religion, or ethnicity.
* You are an environmentalist too! The opposition will claim that they stand on the "higher moral ground". Their cause is more noble than yours. Keep the discussions based on rational facts. Opinions and feeling are important; a little emotion is OKAY.
* Many groups claim to represent "citizens". Underscore that your feelings and beliefs are not being addressed with the opposing view point.
* OHV use is a valid a form of recreation on our public lands. Stress that OHV recreation is OFF HIGHWAY recreation and depends on access to routes of travel.
* Support wilderness areas that meet the criteria as being a special place to preserve with strict guidelines.
* Closing areas and roads is NON-management. Push for MANAGEMENT including law enforcement.
* Include photos, GPS satellite data, old maps showing roads, pictures and anything that documents continued use over time by families.

Source: http://www.muirnet.net/4x4voice/inde...volved#catid48