/n Tips for Writing a Letter to Your Legislator 1. Take a stance: Legislators appreciate intelligent, well-thought-out letters that present a definite position. If writing about a specific bill, describe it by its number or its popular name and clearly lay out a few points that state why support or oppose it. 2. Personalize your letter: Legislators like to hear opinions from home and want to be kept informed about the issues that directly impact their constituents. Adding a personal story or experience can get your message more attention. 3. Be professional and informative: Many representatives have to vote on issues with which they have had little or no first-hand experience. You are serving as a resource for your elected official regarding the topic of your interest. To enhance your credibility, always be courteous and professional in your communication and avoid boasts regarding an influence you may have as the writer. Never threaten or make demands of your officials. 4. Be reasonably brief: Legislators receive many letters and messages each day. It is less likely that they will spend considerable amounts of time on any given letter, so try to keep the message to a single page. Focus on the message and key points. 5. Provide an adequate summary: Restate your request at the end of the letter, for example urging them to support or oppose the bill. Thank the legislator for his or her support and offer to address any questions that he or she might have. Be sure to include your contact information, and sign the letter. (Month) (Day), (Year) The Honorable (First name) (Last name) Office (e.g. Michigan House of Representatives) (Address) (City),(State) (Zip Code) Letter Template: RE: (state the topic or include the bill number, author and subject if you are writing to support or oppose a particular legislative bill) Dear (Assembly Member/Senator) (Last name): My name is (your first and last name) and I am a (pharmacist, student pharmacist, pharmacy technician) who resides in your district. I am writing in (support/opposition) of (Bill name or number). (State why you support or oppose the bill or other issue here. Choose up to three of the strongest points that support your position and state them clearly.) (Include a personal story. Tell your representative why the issue is important to you and how it affects you, your family member and your community.) ALTERNATIVE TAKE: (List one potential argument against the stance you are taking, and state why the stance is unfounded) (Tell your representative how you want her or him to vote on this issue and ask for a response. Be sure to include your name and address on both your letter and envelope.) Sincerely, <SIGN YOUR NAME> Print your name, Credentials Position Street address City, State, Zip code/n/n n Box X + chester.instructure.com/courses/10592/assignments/168749 structions SP23.docx ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS OBJECTIVES Lo search Page < 4 > of 8 Dow • Identify your current U.S. Senators and House Representative as well as your state Senator and House Representative Identify relevant legislative and policy issues affecting pharmacy in the state of Indiana Research and gain knowledge of one current legislative topic and develop a thoughtful and professional opinion regarding the issue (support or oppose) Write a well-composed letter to the appropriate state legislator communicating your opinion D @ 2 F2 <») F3 Qx F4 F5 % 05 $ 4 # 3 O F6 F7 16 & 87 凹 prt sc F8 F9 F10 * 8 home F1 ( 9 ) 0 XX + Cer.instructure.com/courses/10592/assignments/168749 chons SP23.docx Al Download Page< 5 > of 8 3) Letter to legislator (50 points)- Rubric posted on Canvas Compose your letter stating your support or opposition of the selected legislation. You can use the sample template at the end of this document as a guide when writing your letter. There is also a document with tips on how to compose a letter on Canvas. HOWEVER, do NOT copy and paste a letter from any online websites. This has to be your own letter based on your research and opinion. If you plagiarize a letter, you will receive a zero on the assignment and possibly in the course. J F3 HO F4 F5 O - 42°F Clo prtsc home end F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F % Λ 6 205 $4 # 3 27 & * ( 00 8 6 mission Box X + manchester instructure.com/courses/10592/assignments/168749 Instructions SP23.docx י Download ⑦Info Page< 6 > of 8 ZOOM + a. Address your letter to the appropriate state legislator identified in Step 2 c. If it is a legislation that will pass the State House of Representatives, it will be marked with an "HB," then address it to the State Representative. If it is a legislation that will pass the State Senate, it will be marked with an "SB." F3 3 Ox F4 F5 $ 4 % 25 O F6 ^ 60 F7 &7 E 42°F Cloudy prtsc home end ins F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 8 * 8 9 0