When a situation arises which calls for a letter to a legislator, it is worth the time it may take to write a personal letter -- never a form letter. Stereotyped form letters are easily recognized as coming from the same source and they have little impact. Other things which will help make your letters effective:

• Address your letter as follows: Senator (or Representative) John Doe, Washington State Legislature, Olympia, WA 98504. Make sure that the full name and title of the legislator is correct.
• Write on personal or business letterhead (if you have it) and make sure your signature is legible. Typed letters are not necessary as long as the writing is legible.
• Put your return address and telephone number on the letter. Envelopes get thrown away.
• Limit your letter to one specific subject. Tell the legislator briefly what the issue is, identifying it by bill number, if possible. Describe the bill and tell its status in the legislature. WSSDA staff can assist you on this.
• State your reason for writing and be as brief as you can without losing the message you want to convey.
• Be polite. Don't use the legislator as a sounding board for your opinions on government in general. Don't demand his or her vote -- ask for it.
• Whenever possible, use logic and hard information to make your case, demonstrating how the legislation would affect you, your school district or your community.
• Attempt to personalize your letter if at all possible. Use names of schools, teachers, students, etc.
• Always thank your legislator in advance for helping on this issue, and for taking the time to hear your views. Offer any additional assistance -- as one elected official to another.