Outline of a Sample Letter to Policymakers

Outline of a Sample Letter to Policy Makers

Letters are an important way of educating policy makers (legislators, the governor, state agency officials) about the needs of families and people with disabilities. Be sure to state your personal view in the letter, and it should be legibly written or typed. Addresses for the governor and other important policy makers are located later in this section.

Your return address
Telephone Number

Date

The Honorable ________________
Office (for example, Governor of Louisiana,
House of Representatives, Senate)
Address (use legislators home address when
the legislature is not in session)

Dear Governor/Senator/Representative___________:

First Paragraph: Explain who you are, such as “I am writing to you as the parent of Jennifer, who is five years old and has severe developmental disabilities.” Include information about your child and your family that will help the policy maker understand your needs. If you can, send a photograph of your child or your family.

Second Paragraph: Describe how the Community and Family Support System will help you, for example: “My family would benefit from individual and family support services that would help us keep Jennifer at home (or whatever services you may need).

Third Paragraph: Tell the policy maker what he/she can do to help, such as “I urge you to support expanded funding for New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) services.”

Fourth Paragraph: Let the policy-maker know that you would be interested in hearing about his/her view concerning Community and Family Support. Thank him/her for their consideration of your concerns.