How to Write to Your Leaders
Why write to your leaders? Leaders need to hear from their constituents. They depend on their constituents to educate them about what issues are most important to them.
Your Voice Matters
Writing a letter only takes a short amount of your time but it ensures that the people who make decisions on your behalf, every day, know how you want to be represented. Your leaders receive hundreds of messages each week on a wide range of issues – your letter may well be the most interesting one that they receive!
Why Write to Your Leaders?
Why not write directly to the relevant minister? The purpose of your action might be to encourage the minister (for foreign affairs and Trade, for instance) to increase investment in a certain program or intervention that has proven effectiveness. Rather than write to the minister directly, we usually write to our leaders.
This is done for two reasons:
- Writing to your leaders greatly increases your likelihood of receiving a response. The vast majority of leaders will almost always respond to letters from constituents and will be happy to forward your request on to the relevant minister (even if they disagree with you).
- You can educate your leaders in the process. Even if your leaders are not the direct target of the action, your letter provides them with an opportunity to learn about the issue and take action themselves.
Tips for Writing Your Letter
Introduce Yourself and the Issue
Who are you and what is the issue you are writing about? Start off by introducing yourself, indicate that you are a constituent, as well as writing as a volunteer for The Borgen Project.
Explain Your Concern
What are your points of concern? Use a “hook” and then explain the “problem.” The hook should be a short statement that engages the reader, usually featuring an interesting fact.
Make the Connection to Australia
Why does this issue/bill matter to Australia? Give the decision-maker reasons to support the issue. Look beyond the obvious reasons, eliminating poverty alone might not be a persuasive argument. Often, discussing the effect of poverty reduction on Australian jobs, or national security can be an alternative motivation for the same action. If possible, try to also tie in reasons why the specific issue/bill matters to your constituency!
Ask for a Specific Action
What are your recommendations for action? Ask for something specific, usually in the form of a request to support a specific bill. If possible, refer to any legislation by name and number and summarize what it is for.
Keep Making Your Voice Heard
Explore more ways to take action on global poverty.
