How To Advocate For Our Schools
How to Write a Letter to Your Legislator
These are tips and guidelines you can use for writing letters to officials.
*Whenever possible, use letterhead. Otherwise, use plain white bond paper. If you have an official title, use it in your signature.
*It is important that you be clear in your argument or intent, be concise with your word choice, and be respectful. Although you may feel passionately about the topic, it is important to remain courteous.
*If writing about a specific bill, refer to it’s bill number (i.e. HB 2288) or its popular name.
*Short letters are almost always best.
*Legislators like to hear opinions from their districts, form your letters based on your own experience when possible.
*Address the legislator by their titles. See legislator directory if you are unsure of their position.
Dear Senator Smith:
Dear Representative Smith:
Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as: “Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman” or “Dear Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker.”
How to Email Your Legislator
These are tips and guidelines you can use for emailing a letter to officials.
*In the subject line, state a position if possible. For example: “Support Public Education: LD 26 Voter” or “Vote No HB 2028: LD 19 Voter”
*It is important that you be clear in your argument or intent, be concise with your word choice, and be respectful. Although you may feel passionately about the topic, it is important to remain respectful.
*If writing about a specific bill, refer to it’s bill number (i.e. HB 2288) or its popular name.
*Short emails are almost always best. We have been told that some legislators receive 10,000 emails a week.
*Legislators like to hear opinions from their districts, form your letters based on your own experience when possible.
*Address the legislator by their titles. See legislator directory if you are unsure of their position. See above example.
*If you have an official title, use it in your signature.
How to Phone Your Legislator
These are tips and guidelines you can use for contacting an official via the telephone.
*Telephone calls are usually answered by office staff.
*Some legislators are readily accessible, others you may need to leave a message regarding your concerns/comments.
*Be prepared to state your opinion succinctly for your support or opposition to the concern/bill. You may also ask for your senators’ or representative’s position on the issue/bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.
How to Contact Govenor Brewer:
The Honorable Jan Brewer
Governor of Arizona
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-4331
Toll Free: 800-253-0883
Email: http://azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp
How to Contact Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne
Phone: 1-602-542-3813
Toll Free: 1-800-352-4558
Press 9 and asked to be sent to his assistant
Email: adeinbox@azed.gov