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Do's

  • Write legibly and be brief and to the point.

  • Mention the issue in question.

  • Give your reasons for supporting or opposing the issue.

  • Be courteous and reasonable.

  • Be sure to address the regulatory official correctly (Attorney General, Secretary, Commissioner).

  • Include all of your contact information.

  • Double check your information for accuracy.

  • Use correct grammar and complete sentences.

  • If typing your letter, remember to use a spell check feature.

  • Include your personal story.

  • Write a follow up letter thanking the regulatory official.

Don'ts

  • Try not to be longwinded.

  • Avoid a righteous tone.

  • Refrain from apologizing for writing or for taking valuable time away from your regulatory official.

  • Do not threaten anyone.

  • Keep the letter to one issue. Try not to mention more than one issue.

  • Do not demand anything from the regulatory official.

  • Avoid form letters.

  • Do not assume that your regulatory official is an expert on every issue.

  • Do not say or allude to government/politics as sleazy or dishonorable.

Sample Letter

Below, please find a sample letter that describes in detail how to write your regulatory official.

Your Full Name
Your Full Address
Your City, State and Zip
Your Phone Number with Area Code


Current Date


Regulatory Official's Name Here
Regulatory Official's Address
Regulatory Official's City, State, Zip


Dear Title (Secretary of State, Commissioner of Insurance, Attorney General)


In your first paragraph, mention the following points:

1. You are writing to support or oppose a specific issue.
2. Discuss how this specific issue affects you and your family.

In your second paragraph, mention the following items:

1. Further elaborate how the issue affects or has affected you.
2. Share your personal connection with the issue in question. (Remember to remain brief. A short letter can accomplish just as much as a long one.)

In your last paragraph, discuss the following closing items:

1. Request that the regulatory official write you back, informing you on their position regarding the issue.
2. Thank the regulatory official.

Sincerely,

Your Full Name

© 2007 Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). All rights reserved. The information contained in the OAC Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a healthcare professional. The OAC recommends consultation with your doctor or healthcare professional. To reprint any of the materials found on the OAC Web site, please contact the OAC National Office at (800) 717-3117.