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How to write a successful
letter/email to a Legislator

1. Before the invention of email, legislators rarely heard from their constituents about bills. In the past, it only took about 5-6 calls or letters to get a legislator's attention. Now, because sending email is so easy, it takes 50-60 contacts to get a reaction!

2. Be clear about the message. Make each message simple and direct. Be precise and cover only one topic (or bill) in each message, letter, email, call or fax or visit. Three to five short paragraphs in any email or letter is the maximum.

• Identify yourself as voting constituent (if you are sending an email, write that you are a voting constituent from their district in the "subject" line. Some legislators will not even read mail from people in other districts).
• Identify your issue specifically, tell them what you want them to do ("Vote no on HB 2222")
• Provide supporting facts or story
• Specify action again
• And always ask how they plan to vote and to explain why
• Thank them

Do not just urge your legislators to vote in a particular way, ASK them how they are going to vote and WHY. Hold your legislators accountable. Ask them to say whether they will vote for sentencing reform.

3. Always thank the legislator for their service, but remind them you will also stay in touch. And be sure to thank your legislator when they do agree or vote as you urged. Always remember to thank them. Don't underestimate the power of an authentic "thank you." Remember our legislators are human beings too.

4. Some ADVOCACY DON'TS

• Don't be angry or sarcastic
• Don't be hostile
• Don't threaten
• Don't load your message down with too much information-they won't read it
• Don't be dishonest or exaggerate

No matter how a legislator talks to you, always be polite and respectful. If you make a legislator angry, they could take it out on the whole group or purposely kill a bill that is important to us.

5. Forward any response you get from a legislator to the Arizona Sentencing Action Network. It is important for us to keep track of where different legislators stand on a given bill. This will help us count how many votes are going for and against a bill. Just make a quick phone call or send an email to let us know what kind of response you got.

6. Know that at least half the time, you won't get any response at all. Don't be discouraged and don't give up!

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