Best Practices in Counselor Advocacy: Writing Letters and E-mails That ...

Best Practices in Counselor

Advocacy: Writing Letters and

E-mails That Get Results

Stephanie T. Burns

CSI Professional Advocacy Committee

? 2013, Chi Sigma Iota, All Rights Reserved

1

Contents

? Rationale: Why write letters?

? Best Practices in Advocacy Letter Writing

? Overview, addressing legislators, telling your

story, being concrete, being informative, being

timely, calls-to-action and checklists

? When to write, who to write, how to write¡­

and much more!

? 2013, Chi Sigma Iota, All Rights Reserved

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Rationale:

Why Take the Time to Write

? Often the best way to get results is to write

a letter that will be mailed

? Letters provide a written record

? Letters can be shared between multiple staff

members

? Letters communicate serious intent

? Personal or organizational letterhead conveys

professionalism

? 2013, Chi Sigma Iota, All Rights Reserved

3

Best Practices in Advocacy

Letter Writing: Overview

? Write approximately a one single-spaced page

letter or a two page double spaced letter.

? Use personal or business stationery.

? Include your name, return address, and

telephone number including the area code on

the letter. This helps to identify you as a

constituent.

? Hand write letters if they are exceptionally

legible; otherwise, type.

? 2013, Chi Sigma Iota, All Rights Reserved

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Addressing the Letter

? Name the bill's sponsoring Member(s).

? Visit your state legislative page to find the

bill¡¯s sponsoring member(s)



? For bills introduced into Congress visit



? Spell the legislator¡¯s name correctly.

? Use appropriate title (Representative, Senator).

Elected officials are addressed as "Honorable.¡±

? 2013, Chi Sigma Iota, All Rights Reserved

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