Write a Letter, Stop a War

How to organize a letter writing campaign 

Purpose: individually written letters have an enormous impact on politicians. Letters to editors 
are the single easiest way to get your message read by a large audience. A letter-writing party or 
door-to-door letter campaign can: 1. Get letters written. 2. Get folks in the habit of writing to 
politicians. 3. Start a neighborhood group that goes on to write more or to take on other actions.

Materials: Pens, Paper and envelopes (several different kinds of each), copies of They Represent 
You (politician’s addresses-available free at libraries). Informational material about your topic, 
recent newspaper articles on the topic, which you can refer to in letters to the editor.

The Party: Whether you hold it in your living room, church parlor, or school room, make sure it 
is easy to find and comfortable. Snacks are a good thing. At first, people will want some 
guidelines. They’ll get the hang of it soon enough. People will come to write letters the first 
time; if they enjoy themselves, they’ll come back. Snacks are a good thing.

Door to Door: This strategy can help recruit people for future parties, and get people to write 
who’d never attend a party. Just walk through your neighborhood with a flyer explaining the 
issue and giving the target politician’s address. Here’s the key: when someone agrees to write, 
tell them “Thanks. I’ll be coming back just after 9:00. Write the letter and put it in an addressed 
envelope, with your return address on it, and leave it on your doorstep. I’ll pick it up and put a 
stamp on it-that way there’s no procrastination and we’ll know how many letters we’re getting to 
the Senator. That helps us win over their vote.”
	Of course, you can keep their address so you can invite them to your next letter party or 
other event AND so you can tell them when your campaign wins that politician’s vote.

Effective Letters:  See the letter writing guidelines at:
http://congress.org/congressorg/issues/basics/?style=comm      www.cityofseattle.net/council/tips.htm 

Each person has their own story. Encourage people to tell why they are writing and who they are; 
whether you’re a veteran, union member, teen, or Libertarian, say so. Make your letter personal. 
If you have Muslim friends or used to work in the World Trade Center, say so.   
	The most effect letters target very specific issues. “No War” is a good message, but even 
better is a letter that shows you’ve studied the issue and are passionate about it (In cynical terms, 
the more you sound like your vote depends on their vote, the better). Don’t discount thank yous 
and letters of support. Make sure you include your address, so they know you’re a constituent.

Follow Up: It’s fine to call the recipient’s office and ask for feedback, whether the representative 
has been briefed on your issue, how many letters are coming in from each side, etc. You can also 
ask to meet with them next time they’re in town, or with a staffer any time. Encourage your 
fellow letter writers by reporting back with their responses. Then get ready for the next round.

Produced by Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War (SNOW), www.snowcoalition.org , 206 789-
5565. Written by Fred Miller, fredisfree@1sp.com 206 789-6863.