How To The letter should be addressed to a government official.
Writing a letter to a government official is a great way to let them know what's going on in your area.You can search for the official mailing address of the leader.The standard for the specific person to whom you are sending the letter varies from official to official.
Step 1: Find the official's name.
Make sure that you know who this person is, and that he or she is the right person to contact about your case.Why are you writing a letter to this official?
Step 2: You can find the mailing address of the official.
There is a web search for a government official mailing address.The website for the relevant department of the local, state, or national government is the best place to look if a web search doesn't come up with an answer.You can find a list of contact information for national, state, and local administrators in the US at www.usa.gov.If you don't know who to call, look for the department's address.The Department of Homeland Security could be written about.
Step 3: The letter needs to be addressed.
The official's full name and title should be included.President Barack Obama has an official mailing address.Write the words clearly and concisely in the center of an envelope, and then seal the letter inside the envelope.The envelope has a stamp in it.If you are hoping for a response from this government official, you should write your full name and address in the top- left corner of the envelope.
Step 4: Show your respect.
If you want to end your letter with an appropriate statement, open it with a formal salutation.Depending on the level of government, this official may use a team of secretaries to read through his or her mailbox.A polite, thoughtful, and well-written letter is more likely to make it through this system.If you want to address ambassadors, you should read How to Address Ambassadors.
Step 5: The title should be the proper one.
If there is only one person in a given post at a time, you can address them by their title alone: Mr. President or Ms. Mayor.Multiple people hold an office at the same time.You need to use the last name to clarify who you're addressing.Even if the official is the only one holding the position, it's always a good idea to include his or her name.A personally-addressed letter has a certain degree of humanity to it.
Step 6: Send a form letter or read sample letters.
Do your research to find out how other people have addressed letters to this official.Specific information about contacting the officials relevant to a certain cause will be provided by some activism groups and petition websites.You can email the official.If you don't know what to write, try looking up a form letter and a clear subject line.Some elected officials don't read all of the letters they receive.
Step 7: Ask for something that's doable.
If the government official will be able to meaningfully act on your letter, it's time to send it.Don't ask for things that are unrealistic.Don't ask the official to do more than his/her job allows.If there is a better channel for your complaint, take a step back.Forms letters are usually well written and actionable.Make sure the actions are within the scope of the official's duties.
Step 8: Go to the top of the stack and get your letter.
Each day, government officials may receive hundreds of letters.He or she may use professional letter-sorters to determine which messages end up in the official's hands.Make your letter interesting.Refer to an issue that is at the top of the official's agenda in the first sentence.The letters at the top of the stack are easy to understand and readable.Explain why the official should listen to you and include your qualifications.If you live in a town that has been in the news recently, or have recently met the official, they may take note of your opinion.
Step 9: Make sure your letter is appropriate.
Is it necessary or just a way to vent?Send a request that is easy to understand.Don't insult or swear.It's important to respect begets respect.Don't threaten a government official.The letter can be traced back to you.Your threats won't inspire productive action.