- Handwritten
(legibly) letters apparently carry more weight than typed letters do,
especially the standard form letters.
- The next best alternative
is a handwritten fax, and emails are your last alternative, because you
can't be sure of an enduring hard copy.
- The best formula
is to write a short, to-the-point letter, stating concern over an issue,
including a question. You will most likely get a standard, computerized
reply.
- Then, your second
letter should flesh out your concerns a bit more, including a question.
This one may actually have to engage a more human mind for the reply.
- The third letter can really cover the
subject in detail, which will have to engage a human mind in a thinking
mode for an answer!
*This 1-2-3 approach
takes time and patience, but gets their attention more effectively. It
is also said that a personal letter carries the weight of perhaps 100 or
more letters because relatively few people actually take the time to
write.
If you write to someone at the federal level, be sure to send copies of
your letter to any MPs or Ministers that may have an interest in your
issue. Letters to the Prime Minister's Office will be forwarded to the
minister concerned. A copy to your own MP is important. And a copy
addressed to an editor of your newspaper adds strength to your argument.
Indicate these copies at the bottom of your original letter.
If you have a meeting with an MP or Minister, and have an opportunity to
make a point, however briefly, follow up with a letter to recap the
conversation to establish a base for your next letters, or to expand on
the subject.
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