Tips on Writing to Your Legislators

The mission of the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons is to advocate the best quality eye care through education, legislative efforts and community service.

Advocacy is as much a part of practicing medicine as patient care.

Anatomy of a good constituent letter:

• Use office letterhead.
• Use appropriate heading (The Honorable...).
• Assert your credibility. Identify yourself as a registered voter in the district, or explain the membership (numbers) you represent.
• State your support/opposition and show that you understand the issue
• Indicate why you are concerned and what your background and experience with the issue are.
• Offer hard facts, as well as information on how this bill will address the problem.
• Show that you are not alone -- list other organizations the support your issue, etc.
• Offer your assistance.
• Ask for a response.

Don't forget to use your family, friends, staff AND patients for grassroots support!

For other tips on working with your legislator, click here.