The wife and I have enjoyed reading the letters that some of you have posted here, prior to mailing them to various places. We have some experience in letter writing, and want to share some ideas with you.

1) Keep it brief. (no one wants to read a long letter when so much other work needs to be done.)

2) Keep it polite. (nothing turns a reader off faster than a rude letter.)

3) Get to the point quickly. (try to state the topic in the first sentence, if possible.)

4) Clearly state what ACTION you want the reader to take. (i.e. stop hiring illegals, enforce the laws, don't vote in favor of amnesty, etc.)

5) Provide a means for the reader to contact you for further information.
(give your phone number AND the best time to reach you. give your mailing address, email address, etc.)

6) Don't give a lot of background information or history. (if the reader wants background info, he/she can contact you for further info.)

A written letter sent through snail mail is one of the most effective passive ways to let someone know your thoughts about an issue. Although technology has made communication easy and fast, it is still a tangible letter in one's hand that gets the most attention.

Whatever means of communication you prefer, keep up the pressure.
Write, email, phone, fax, protest, vote, boycott. It all adds up.