The following is an exerpt from the American Public Health Association website:

A letter to your legislator can be very effective in influencing the outcome of a piece of legislation and informing him/her of the impact the bill would have on you, your family, and your state. **

Keep the following tips in mind as you correspond with your policy‐makers.

• Accuracy and attention to detail. Be sure to use the proper form of address and correct spelling of the policy‐maker, as well as proper grammar and spelling througout the letter. Use spellcheck! Your point will be better made if it is apparent that it has been thought out well and reviewed.
• Whenever possible, use your organizationʹs letterhead.
• Remember to identify yourself as a constituent.
• Short letters are best ‐ try to keep them to one page.
• Concentrate on a single issue. Letters should cover only one topic or bill and be timed to arrive while the issue is alive.
• Praise, Praise, Praise. If your legislator pleases you by supporting a public health issue, write and tell him/her so.

**Prior to sending any correspondence to a legislator under the name of TFW, please submit the letter to the coalition for review at TobaccoFreeWichita@hotmail.com with the email header “Important Legislation”.

  American Public Health Association • 800 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 • http://www.apha.org