Political Lobbying: Writing to your MP
Firing off a quick letter to your MP
You’ve decided to write to your MP, but how do you make your letter or email stand out? Here are a few simple tips for maximising the impact of your correspondence.
Use the correct title
Unless you have an established relationship with the person you are writing to, it’s polite to be formal in the beginning. Here is a link to: Find your Representative/Senator and how to address them
Introduce yourself and your issue
Start your letter by saying who you are and why you are writing to them. If you are a member of their electorate, make this clear. Briefly mention any relevant connections in the community – a local community group you belong to, or a local business you work for. Let the MP know if you have met them, and the circumstances. Try to think of something you can genuinely thank them for, and then do so.
Keep it brief
Your letter should be as short and simple as possible. Try to keep it to one or two pages. Stick to one issue per letter and use simple points to make your case. If the issue requires further explanation, include an attachment which sets out the extra information, or provide a reference to it.
Add a personal touch
It’s important to explain why the issue is important to you. You can do this by including a relevant personal anecdote or experience. This will help make the issue real and tangible for your MP. Storytelling used in conjunction with statistics allows you to be rational and emotional. We need to appeal to the MP’s head and heart.
For example, you could explain how you’ve been impacted by the drought or bushfires, which are intensifying as a result of climate change. Or you could say why taking action on climate change is important to you.
It can also be useful to include relevant facts and figures, refer to a recent news item about the issue, or highlight a local connection to the issue.
Be polite
Being polite and respectful in your letter is far more likely to achieve positive results than being insulting or abusive. An abusive letter is likely to be ignored.
Tell them what you want them to do
Once you have told your MP how you feel about the issue, tell them what you want them to do about it. Clearly state the facts that highlight the need for urgent further action.
Be brief and objective, utilising scientific data to persuade. Avoid hyperbole or embellishment. Provide an explanation of what needs to change and why.
These are some actions that you might ask your MP to take:
Voting for or against a particular Bill.
Asking them to raise amendments to a Bill (be clear about what these are).
Speaking about the issue in Parliament to raise awareness.
Asking a question in Parliament to gain extra information on an issue or raise its profile.
Raising the issue with the relevant Minister or Shadow Minister or portfolio holder. If other MPs are also raising the issue, this demonstrates that there is community concern for the issue.
Talking about the issue in the media to help raise its profile.
Finally, always ask for a reply to your letter.
Provide your contact details
Include your first and last name, your address, telephone number, and email address.
Follow up
If you have not received a response after a month, telephone the MP’s office to remind them about your letter and check when you are likely to receive a response. If you do not receive a response when expected, call again. Keep trying until you succeed. Persistent, but polite, constituents tend to get what they want!
Remember, your MP has a responsibility to represent you and to communicate with you. That is why they were elected and why they are paid.
Admin
Update your actions on the CCL website and share your letter with CCL, so that it can help others with their own letter writing.
Resources
Team up with others from CCL to write to your MP by enrolling in our Climate Action Workshop.
Our thanks to www.oxfam.org and www.climatecouncil.org who provided some of this material.
