A LETTER-WRITING TUTORIAL
6 Tips on How to Write to Government Bureaucrats and Politicians
By Del Albright
“You can’t convert a snake into a statesman by simply snipping his fangs; the instinct to bite will always be there!” – Del Albright
How on earth do you capture the attention of a bureaucrat so that your recreation-oriented letter doesn’t end up in the proverbial “stack” of unread letters? Perhaps it’s not fair to say unread; let’s say “sort of read but unheeded.” Everyone in public service is incredibly busy these days, what with budget shortfalls, staffing shortages, and the overwhelming flow of information in this digital world (e-world?) we live in. Here’s how: tell them about the snake.
I’ve been writing letters to bureaucrats (and have been one myself), so I’d like to offer some advice. Oh, you ask, what the heck is with the snake business at the start? Well, that’s a phrase I coined after watching some of our politicians in action. Mostly, it’s there to get your attention, so you’ll read this article!
Tip #1: Nail It Up Front
The first tip for writing letters to bureaucrats (including elected officials) is to capture their attention upfront—make your point in the first sentence.
Start your letter with your primary reason for writing. For example:
“I am writing to let you know that I oppose [name of legislation].”
Don’t bury the lead. Be clear and bold, and get right to the point.
Tip #2: Say Something Nice
Immediately after stating your position, say something nice. Acknowledge their time and effort. For example:
“I appreciate the time and effort you and your staff have devoted to this issue, and I know you have given this a lot of thought.”
This shows respect and opens the door for a productive dialogue rather than confrontation.
Tip #3: Lay Out Your Facts
Use bullet points or numbered lists to highlight key facts. Be substantive in your comments (real substance, not just fluff or passionate statements). As a retired bureaucrat, I can attest—this works!
- Bullet points draw the eye.
- They get your message across quickly.
- They make it easy to reference specific points later.
After your bullets, elaborate on each point in separate short (substantive) paragraphs to add context and depth.
Tip #4: Get Personal About You
If relevant, share your background. Are you a longtime recreationist? A member of an organization? A local resident? Mention your involvement. It adds weight and credibility to your message.
Tip #5: Close with a Summary
Wrap it up with a short recap and a direct request. Something like:
“Let me close by restating that I very much oppose [name of legislation] because I feel this legislation denies the public the opportunity to enjoy our public lands. I request that you vote against it when it comes before you.”
Tip #6: Pleasant Salutation
Always close on a courteous note. For example:
“Thank you for your time. If I may be of some help to you on this issue, please let me know.”
“Please add me to any future mailings or notices about this topic.”
For more tips on leadership, landuse, and making a difference, visit:
https://delalbright.com/landuse-leadership-shortcuts/