Local Campaigning - Writing a Letter

Writing a letter

It is important if several people are writing to the same recipient, that the letters all differ. This will ensure maximum impact. Try to organise a letter writing evening - this will encourage people to get involved.

The same principles apply whether you are writing a letter to an MP, chief executive or head teacher.

• Make sure your letter looks professional: put your address in the centre of the top of the page, not to the right and the recipient’s address on the left hand side of the page starting about eight lines down. Write the date out in full, get the full and correct title of the person you are writing to and sign the letter correctly using ‘Yours faithfully’ when your letter is to an unnamed person or ‘Yours sincerely’ when it is to a named person.
• Always keep your letter to one side of A4. You can change the font and margins to help you achieve this but always make sure the letter is easy to read.
• Limit your letter to three or four short paragraphs outlining what you are writing about. Keep it short and to the point – it is easier to read and helps set out the main points of your campaign.
• Try to include some things for the person receiving the letter to do. This may include coming to the next campaign meeting or raising your issues at the next council meeting.
• Letters should be word processed in a clear typeface, for example Arial or Times New Roman and printed on good quality paper. If you are using Epilepsy Action letter headed paper, use the Gill Sans typeface.

All these points show that you mean business. As a result, your campaign is more likely to be taken seriously.