Whether it's US Congress, UK House of Commons or the European Parliament, personal letters and personal emails from constituents can be an effective way to communicate with your representatives. DONARE has put together some basic tips on what to look for if you are writing to a MP or other parliamentary representative.
The most important in a nutshell
1) Always include your name and address to make it clear that you live in the legislator’s constituency, state or country!
2) Be polite! Be courteous!
3) Use proper salutation and addressing, especially in letters!
4) Be brief! Be concise! Letters should not be longer than one page (maximum 1, 5 pages). Emails should be even shorter.
5) Limit yourself to one topic! All letters and emails should contain only a few paragraphs on a single topic.
Structure
A clear structure in three paragraphs and a concluding sentence has proven effective.
1) In the first paragraph, explain the reason or cause for your letter. Briefly introduce yourself and provide any other relevant information.Â
2) In the second paragraph, describe the importance of the topic. Cite relevant facts. While you can always use information found in reputable sources, you should still write your letter in your own words. Include specific information about the issue or law you are writing about.
3) In the third paragraph, ask for specific action. Make it clear what steps you expect your representative to take. Offer support and request a response.
Thank the elected official for considering your views and thank him or her for taking the time.
Salutation and address
Please Note: To find out the email address of your MP, Congressperson or Senator, see DONARE: Hold your government to account.
United States House of Representatives
Salutation
Dear Representative (Last Name)
Address
The Honorable (First Name Last Name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
United States Senate
Salutation
Dear Senator (Last Name)
Address
The Honorable (First Name Last Name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
United Kingdom House of Commons
Salutation
Dear Mr or Mrs or Ms (Surname)
Address
First, find the correct title for your Member of Parliament. Do you address him or her as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., Sir or Rt. Hon.? You can check this by looking up your MP on the official Parliament website: Â parliament.uk Directory of MPs
(Title) (Name)
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
European Parliament
Salutation
Dear Mr. / Mrs. (Last Name)
Address
Lookup members of parliament first: You can find the mailing addresses of every Member of the European Parliament in the Directory of European Parliament Members. If in doubt, use the Brussels address.
Alternatively, you can use the following address:
Member of the European Parliament
Mr. or Mrs. (Full Name)
Parlement européen
Bât. ALTIERO SPINELLI
60, rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60
B-1047 Bruxelles/Brussel
See also: