Letter writing is an age-old technique within the social change movement. Letter-writing meetings are often a good idea, because even with the best intentions, people don't always get around to writing the letter on their own. There are a few things to remember:
- Be polite and stick to the point
- Be very concise, make your letter no longer than two A4 pages, and one if possible
- Avoid exaggeration - it does more harm than good
- Ask specific questions about the politician's opinions
- Sign off with your address so they know you're a constituent
MPs will answer letters from their constituents before any other, as this is their duty. However, in most cases they will forward your letter to the relevant Minister, government department or party spokesperson and hence you are likely to get a standard reply. Often this reply will have little relevance to the original points that you raised, so it is better to ask specific questions and to enquire about the politician's personal opinion. Try spreading letter writing around the group with each person addressing only one important point in their letter.
We keep track of letters and responses for each campaign. See the page for the campaign you're writing about for the link to the relevant wiki page. You can read through previous letters and responses to improve your own, making your letter more effective in convincing the politician or in highlighting why they are wrong.
You can send your letter off using http://www.faxyourmp.com
Following it up
If you don’t get the response you want, don’t just sit there and take it. Pick up your pen, or put fingers to keyboard, and restate your case, if necessary pointing out the errors in the reply. Again, put up your letters and the responses from the politician on the relevant wiki page.
Another good way to follow up a letter is to arrange a personal meeting with the politician. See GroupGuide/MeetingYourMP