An effective way to maintain contact with and influence your lawmakers is through letter writing.  Since virtually everyone can write a letter, no new talent is required.  However, a few pointers might be useful.  Here are some hints.

q       Use your professional letterhead or personal stationery, making sure that your return address and date are clearly given.

q       Keep your letter short; one page is enough.  Use plain language, not jargon.  Put your thoughts in your own words.  Avoid signing and sending a form letter.

q       Keep to one subject.  If you have separate topics to bring up, use separate letters.

q       Say what you want at the beginning.  Sometimes lawmakers will get a flood of mail on one subject and they want to know quickly what the pro-and-con count is without having to wade through long introductions.

q       Stick to the facts.  Don’t embellish your letter with complaints or emotion.  Don’t ask for the impossible.  Show that you are reasonable.  Preface criticism, if you can, with praise.

q       If you are trying to influence a particular piece of legislation, tell how it will affect the lawmaker’s constituents.  Explain how the legislation would affect you, your patients, and the practice of podiatry in general.  Be constructive.  If a measure deals with a problem that you admit exists, but you believe the bill takes the wrong approach toward solving that problem, explain what you believe to be the right approach.

q       Write to lawmakers when they do something positive.  A note of appreciation will make them remember you more favorably the next time.

q       Always invite your lawmakers to visit your office to see firsthand how you provide quality services.  This invitation could be particularly welcome at election time when politicians seek out audiences such as those our profession can provide.

q       Be sure to use the proper form of address:

SENATOR                                REPRESENTATIVE

Honorable (Name)                      Honorable (Name)

Address                                    Address