Writing to Elected Officials
Write your local elected officials a letter to inform them on the importance of continued arthritis research and increased accessibility to treatment.
Emails to your elected officials and their staff are important. Whether you have recently met with them or this will be their first time hearing from you, email is an efficient and convenient method to communicate your message. You can send a letter to your elected officials directly through our website in our Action Center.
It may take several weeks for the elected official to receive your letter due to security protocol. Call your elected official’s office after a few weeks have passed to make sure the office has received your letter.
Writing Tips
Address Your own elected offical
Your elected official wants to hear from constituents about issues that matter and affect them. Only address someone who doesn’t directly represent you if they are in a position of high leadership, such as the speaker of the House of Representatives, majority leader or committee chair.
Keep it brief
Limit the length of your letter to one page and only focus on one issue or piece of legislation.
Be Respectful
Do not use harsh or aggressive language or make personal attacks.
Open with an introduction
Start your letter with a short personal introduction. Make sure to include whether you are writing as a constituent or on behalf of an organization (or both).
State your purpose
Be clear about your reason for writing. If you are discussing a bill, be sure to include the bill’s name and number.
Share your personal story
Your letter should include your personal story, specific examples and key points that demonstrate the importance of your issue and help your elected official understand why this issue matters and affects his/her constituents.
Make a specific call to action
For example, “I ask that you vote for H.R. XXXX” – or “I urge you to support health care reform that includes greater access to affordable medication.”
Say thank you
Close your letter by thanking your elected official for their time and offering to answer any additional questions or providing further information. Include your contact information and sign the letter.
Advocate for What's Right
As an Arthritis Advocate, you’ll feel good about taking action to make health care more accessible. Help shift the policy and public perception that affects those living with arthritis.