WRITING A LETTER
Letters are an important, even critical, way to influence legislation. You can mail, fax or e-mail your letter. Letters to your own senator or representative are especially important.
  Use your own stationery or letterhead
  Use your own words
During the legislative session, you can send letters directly to the Statehouse, addressed like this:

The Honorable (Full Name)            or              The Honorable (Full Name)
Oklahoma State Senate                                   Oklahoma House of Representatives
Oklahoma City, OK 73105                               Oklahoma City, OK 73105
E-mail is received differently by individual legislators. Some prefer e-mail above all other communication; some don’t read e-mail for days or not at all. It’s a good idea to call your legislator’s office first and simply ask ...
  • Does Senator Smith read e-mail?
  • Would that be a good way to send information to him?”

If you do send an e-mail, always include your FULL NAME and your HOME ADDRESS at the end. This helps the legislator know that you are a real, live voting person in his district.
A WORD ABOUT EMAIL
GUIDELINES FOR LETTER WRITING
INGREDIENTS FOR A GREAT LETTER
Always...
Form letters are not effective! A personal story about how legislation affects you or your family is better.
ADDRESSING YOUR LETTER
Introduce Yourself
Do Your Best to Keep it to ONE PAGE
If you are part of a group or coalition SAY SO
Make Your Position CLEAR
Say EXACTLY what you want your legislator to do
Say HOW the legislation will affect you
DON'T threaten, browbeat or get nasty
BE SPECIFIC with names or policy numbers if you know them
ASK for Your Legislators Point of View
SAY THANK YOU
Who You Are
What You Want Done
Briefly Describe the Issue or Bill
Who are the Supporters
Repeat the WHAT, but in slightly different words
Your Name and Address
Oklahoma Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies