from twitter user genicecream:
“here’s a breakdown of how i write letters to my MPs! to my understanding it’s good practice to personalize your messages a little. i don’t think there’s a right or wrong approach, but i do get a bit stuck sometimes so this is how i break things down to be more manageable”
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
WRITING TO YOUR REPS: AN APPROACH
-
GREETING
-Address who you’re writing to by their name.
“Dear [INSERT REPRESENTATIVE],” -
WHO ARE YOU?
-What is your name?
-Are you a voter and/or citizen? If so, mention that!
TIP: Make it clear that you’re a real person, let them know why your message should matter to them.
“My name is Genice C[blacked out]. I am a Canadian citizen, and constituent of [INSERT CONSTITUENCY]” -
CONTEXT
-What prompted you to write this letter?
-What issues do you want to bring attention to?
TIP: Listen to what journalists and activist groups are saying if you're not sure what to write.
“I am writing to you in solidarity with the global strike for Palestine, called for by Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda. Gaza has been under the siege and destruction of Israeli forces for over 100 days; there are shortages of food and water, more deaths every day, and very much of the aid sent to Gazans in need is being blocked by Israel. Humanitarian pauses are not enough, and as long as the violence on Palestine continues humanitarian aid is not enough.” -
CALL TO ACTION
-What do you need this rep to do?
TIP: It can help to borrow points from relevant petitions and protests.
“I plead that you use your position to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and for Canada to participate in demanding that Israel meet its commitments under the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.” -
CLOSING
-(Optional) Conclusions or closing thoughts
-Sign off with your name.
“That this country would settle for anything less is shameful.
Sincerely,
Genice C[blacked out].”