Letters are a very effective tool for reaching the public, your legislators, and companies.
- Letters to the Editor: Letters to the editors of your local newspapers are a great way to reach a large audience, many of whom probably never thought about animal issues before. Discuss only one issue per letter, and if applicable, tell the reader how to take action. If you are responding to an article that appeared in the newspaper, mention the article. Keep your letter short and to the point. Look at the letters published by your local newspaper for guidance on the length of your letter. If the issue deserves a longer discussion, look at the length of the Op-Ed pieces published by the newspaper and tailor your letter to be published as an Op-Ed. Make sure you sign your letter and provide your contact information so the editors can confirm that you are the author of the letter.
- Letters to Legislators: Letters to legislators are important because they let the legislators know how their constituents feel about the issues. Remember to be polite, but be clear about your position. If you are writing about a particular piece of legislation, try to provide the bill number, because there are sometimes multiple bills pending on a single subject. End the letter by asking them where they stand on the issue, and be sure to provide your contact information so they can see that you are a constituent and can get back to you.
- Letters to Companies: Letters to companies can be very effective because they are frequently part of a larger boycott campaign. If you are boycotting a company because they conduct animal testing, send them a letter so they know why they’ve lost your business. As always, be clear but polite, and be sure to include your contact information so they can get back to you. Sometimes they will try to justify their actions, but every once in a while, a company will write to tell you that they are changing their practices!
