"The 1st amendment to the U. S. Constitution enumerates the right of the people 'to petition the government for redress of grievances.' A petition with the signatures of all 19 million Texans would mean nothing without a statutory I & R mechanism in place. The legislature should pass I & R, and enact this right guaranteed by both the U. S. and the Texas constitutions." Jerry Patterson, former Texas State Senator

Making Your Letters More Effective

Elected officials do pay attention---and change their minds and votes---when even a moderate number of people contact them about an issue. Here are a few tips on how to make sure your letters and phone calls have the greatest impact.

The more personal your letter is, the more influence it has. Say what's on your mind and in your heart. Use your own words; don't think you have to write like an expert to have influence. Describe briefly how having the initiative could affect you personally or affect people where you live.
If your handwriting is legible, handwrite your letter. Computer- generated mass mail is getting so sophisticated that it often looks as if it has been done by an individual. Handwritten letters are now the only way that the recipient knows that the letter really comes from an individual. If you prefer to type a letter, make sure you sign it with a handwritten post script (PS).

• Be brief, clear and specific. Stick to one page if possible.
• Begin by stating the reasons for your letter. Then write about your personal concerns and experiences and add any information you may have.
• Close with a specific request - that the policy-maker state his or her position in a letter to you, that he or she vote in a particular way - or make a strong summary statement.
• Be courteous and reasonable. Show respect for the people you contact, even when you disagree with them.
• Include your address on your letter. An envelope can get lost.
  Some Optional Ideas
• Enclose an article that has a bearing on the policy or legislation in question.
• If you have any personal association with the policy-maker, let her or him know. Nothing is more effective in getting elected officials attention than being able to tell them you've worked on their campaigns.
• Write or call a second time. Follow-up letters have a much stronger impact than an initial communication.
• Thank a legislator for taking a stand you agree with or ask a question about unsatisfactory answers.

Faxes and e-mail get significantly less attention than letters. And handwritten letters get the most attention.