A well-written letter can change hearts and minds

Letter writing is still one of Animal Concern’s most important tools.

Though almost entirely electronic now, we still write several letters a week to politicians, business people and the media asking for information or requesting action.

We also frequently ask our members and supporters to write letters on our behalf either to their local minister or a publication editor. This adds valuable support to our campaigns at a local level and beyond in some cases. We’re very grateful to them for doing this for us. And to make it easier, we have put together the following guidance for effective letter writing technique.

First, make sure you’re writing to the correct person or agency. If you wanted information on animal testing, there wouldn’t be much point in writing to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, as it’s the Home Office the deal with animal tests. When writing on an issue concerning Westminster or EU government, it’s best to write to your MP or MEP asking for the information or requesting action.

On an issue concerning local government, it’s a good idea to contact your councillor.

You can easily search online to find out who yours is if you’re not sure. You might want to write to them or your local MP, MSP, MS or MLA to get information out of a government department, committee or official or to tell them about an issue they might be interested in.

You might want to write to someone in the business community to ask them to discontinue stocking particular animal products. Or you might want to write to the media to raise an issue you believe more people should know about.

Don’t underestimate the power of a letter. One letter from Animal Concern to a major Japanese city changed their policy on dealing with feral cats. Two or three letters from individuals and two from Animal Concern persuaded Clark’s shoes to withdraw a range of fur-lined boots, donate them to Romania and instruct their manufacturer to use synthetic linings instead.

A letter to an MP can result in questions in Parliament and changes in government policy.

A letter to a TV or radio programme can give producers the idea for an item or perhaps a whole programme.

A letter to a newspaper can prompt a feature in that paper or even a phone-in debate on radio (radio researchers check all the letters columns for ideas). Letters to the media are a great way to spread the word.

A lot of us are unsure how to compose a letter, lose heart if several letters in a row are ignored by the papers or even feel intimidated by the importance of a politician or public figure. But remember, politicians and civil servants work for you!

The first knack to writing a letter is simple. Is the letter worth writing? Newspapers and politicians are inundated with letters. So make them realise yours is important:

1)      Make sure you’re writing to the correct person or office and that you have the correct address.

2)      Talking about topical things in the news will increase your chances of being taken seriously.

3)      Use the KISS method – Keep It Short and Simple! For letters to the editor, keep them under 200 words and make your arguments focused and succinct.

4)      Be polite. Your credibility will be far greater by using your wit and reason to counter things you don’t agree with, instead of insults.

5)      Include facts and figures if you have them but avoid trying to impress by using words or details you’re unsure of.

6)      Include personal experiences if relevant. These can be very powerful in changing people’s hearts, and by extension their minds.

7)      Be prepared for edits. They do happen, but keeping your language concise is a good way to prevent your words being changed.

It goes without saying that anything you say must be accurate. Any mistake or unfounded allegation could set back the cause instead of furthering it.

When writing to the press in response to any of our campaigns you can add the following sentence at the end of your letter: “For further information on this issue contact Animal Concern, PO Box 5178, Dumbarton, G82 5YJ.”

And if you’d like any more guidance or information on a specific letter you’re writing, just email us at campaigns@animalconcern.org and we’ll be happy to help.