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Perhaps before you consider writing to your local MP you first need to consider a few points! Firstly, is the matter of concern to you a federal, state or local government matter? Quite often all 3 are interested in an issue but only one level of Government can effect a change in a particular area. So first of all, try and determine which member of parliament, state or federal, it is appropriate to raise an issue with.
WHO
Firstly, is the matter of concern to you a federal, state or local government matter? Quite often all 3 are interested in an issue but only one level of Government can effect a change in a particular area. So first of all, try and determine which member of parliament, state or federal, it is appropriate to raise an issue with.
Other points to consider are:
Is your local member in opposition or on the Government benches.
What portfolio, if any, does the member hold. This includes 'shadow' portfolio responsibility.
Sometimes it is better to write to the minister of the portfolio if you believe it to be serious enough to justify it.
WHY
You need to be clear on the issue you intend to raise. Most likely, you, or a close relative of friend is affected by the lack of, or introduction of, something at a government level. If you or a family member are directly affected, then the personal information you provide on how something affects you can be very effective in convincing your representative to act on your behalf. This is important to remember. He or she is, as your local elected member, representing your best interests. That's what he is paid to do.
WHAT
OK, once you have decided who you are going to contact, you need to go about collecting as much 'relevant' information as possible. Being prepared will help you to include, and more importantly exclude, information to assist in constructing a worthwhile document to present. It will also help you clarify in your own mind what you want to say. Sometimes just seeing something written down on paper opens your mind to further questions and possibilities to research an area further.
Once you have established all of your facts and how it is affecting your life, think about the following. Rather than just being seen as a person who is complaining, try to think of some sensible solutions to the issue you have raised. There is nothing a politician likes less than a pile of problems with no solutions. There is nothing a politician likes more than a person who has some answers.
Look at it from your own perspective, what would you like to see happen, How would you resolve the issue. Remember, this person is responding to dozens of people every week, so if you can lighten the load with a few suggestions, imagine how relieved they are going to feel.
Keep it short. Just like this document, try and keep it to one page. Any more than two pages is likely to go into the too hard basket or at the very least, further down the list.
Keep it clean. Avoid too much emotional language in your hard work as this just muddies the water. However if you are experiencing genuine hardship, don't be afraid to spell it out, clearly and factually.
WHEN
How close is the next election. Has an election just been held. This will allow you to contact someone who is most likely going to be able to effect a change. Even if your local member is in opposition he can still bring the matter to the attention of the parliament.
WHERE
Before you are tempted to post, fax or email your carefully worded letter, consider this. If you are close enough, make an appointment with your representative and hand deliver your hard work. Sometimes a 15-30 minute visit can work wonders, as the member can see first hand what a reasonable, helpful, rational and thoughtful, and perhaps needy, person you are. Don't discount the 'boost' this can give to your letter or request for assistance.
HOW
It was once considered more effective for a handwritten letter to be sent to your representative. It still does have a strong impact, and if you have neat handwriting and are able to I still recommend it.
Email of course, is now the preferred method of most people. However it can be counterproductive if you fall into the trap of cc'ing every politician you think might be interested. Think about it. You like to be seen as an individual and not part of the herd. I think your MP probably feels much the same.
One politician I spoke to said that when they see an email with lots of cc'd recipients on it they treat it as a form of spam. And they know that it is likely you will send any reply to all and sundry.
That's it. Go ahead and make a difference, your ideas might just change the world for everyone.
Loosely based on my experiences and those of others, by,
Brian Bartlett
Thanks to Brian for writing about his experiences
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