How to Write an Advocacy Letter

Letters are one of the most popular and effective ways to communicate with public officials. Use this template along with your personal or business letterhead to make your outreach simple and effective. Be sure that you address only one or two issues in a single letter and keep your letter to a single page.

The Honorable [FULL NAME OF PUBLIC OFFICIAL]
[COMMUNITY NAME] City Council
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE, ZIP]

Dear [Councilman or Councilwoman] [LAST NAME OF PUBLIC OFFICIAL]:

I have lived in [COMMUNITY NAME] for [MANY or ##] years and currently [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR WORK OR SERVICE RELATED TO THE ARTS].

I am concerned about [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE] and ask that you vote in
favor of [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE LEGISLATION] on [DATE THE VOTE WILL BE TAKEN].

[1-2 PARAGRAPHS EXPLAINING YOUR POSITION INCLUDING:

  • HOW YOU AND OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS WILL BE IMPACTED
  • A VIVID EXAMPLE SUPPORTED WITH FACTS]

I strongly urge you to vote in favor of [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE LEGISLATION].

Sincerely,

[SIGN YOUR NAME]

[PRINT YOUR NAME]

Category: Learn How to Advocate