These writing tips highlight the best way to get your point across to your senators, representatives and local elected officials. Remember, these are the key people who have an impact on road closures and public land issues that pertain to four-wheelers and outdoor recreationalists. And they are paid to represent you!
Here's how to start a one-person e-mail (or letter) campaign:
- Put something attention-getting into your main subject line or headline. Think about a "play on words" or a catchy phrase you've heard regarding land issues. This is just one of the tips for making sure your letter actually gets read. Here are some more tips for dealing with bureaucrats.
- Make your point right away. The second sentence is too late. Summarize the reason for your letter (or e-mail) in the very first sentence. And include what you'd like them to do about it. For example, "I'd like for you to vote 'No' on XYZ legislation" (if you know it), or "I hope that you'll support the rights of responsible off road recreationalists in any future legislation". Be sure to mention that you are one of their voting constituents. Politicians generally pay attention to people who can keep them in office.
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Don't speak negatively throughout your entire letter. You don't want to come across as a blow-hard who's just complaining about the way things are. Certainly address the downsides of the issue, but be sure to say something complementary as well -- either about four-wheelers as a group, or about the elected official. For example, after you see how your representative has voted on legislation regarding land matters, you might be able to add a word of thanks for their support in the past. If the tone of your letter is negative or angry, your efforts will be counter-productive... just a waste of time. If you make your point in a logical manner, they're more likely to listen to you.
Take advantage of this great tool... See exactly how your federal representatives voted on key issues! This is a great way to stay informed. You can even have your representatives' votes emailed to you on a weekly basis.
- Personalize your letter in such a way that it looks like it's from one individual who is passionate (and logical) about the issue. Someone who takes it personally and speaks from the heart. Personal calls and letters tend to have more impact than petitions or form letters. Speak from experience whenever possible. And be sure to mention any groups or clubs you're a part of, as well as the positive things you have done to protect and maintain public lands to date. Personalizing your letter in such a way reminds your representative of their obligation to represent you, as one of their constituents, and encourages them to act on your behalf. Let your passion for this topic come through in your own words.
- The majority of your letter should be written using indented bullet points, rather than writing in typical letter fashion. Bullets force you to be short and to-the-point, while summarizing your overall feelings and key facts. Remember to include reasons why this is an important issue -- to four-wheelers, as well as to other outdoor recreationalists. Here are some key points you may want to include in your letter.
Remember, the shorter your letter, the better. Rather than trying to cover all the facts about the topic as you know them, choose to passionately make one point instead. Keep in mind that three short and to-the-point letters will have more impact than one long letter.
In your letter...
- If possible, try to include a photograph of you, your family or friends enjoying a particular trail, or doing something positive to maintain a local riding area (not trail tampering!). Visual examples go a long way. If the form of your letter is an e-mail, then simply scan your photo and save it on your computer, then attach it to the email you're sending to your elected official.
- Finish your letter by restating the main point that you made in your first sentence. Thank them for their attention to this important matter. Restate your confidence in them. And again request that they vote a particular way about on future legislation.
- Perhaps the best part: Once you fine-tune what it is you want to say, it's easy to maximize your efforts by sending the exact same e-mail (or letter) to all of your elected officials - on the local, state, and federal level - at once!
