A Guide to Letter Writing

Every now and then we will ask our supporters to write letters to politicians or to companies using animals. We hear from many of you who keenly write some, or even all, of those letters and about the responses you receive. There is no doubt that those letters have an impact as can be seen by the number of companies that have agreed to stop using animals in commercials. Some of our supporters have asked for advice on writing effective letters and this article briefly outlines some handy tips.

The Value of Writing Letters

It is easy to be cynical and dismiss letter writing, particularly when you receive so many dismissive responses - or no replies at all! However, even one letter can spark someone's interest in an issue or make them consider their own position, and when lots of people write about the same thing it is difficult for the recipient to ignore the issue.

There are a few important points to take into account regardless of whom your letter is to:

1. Be polite. While you may feel passionate and angry, keep the letter reasonable and polite otherwise it is unlikely to be read;
2. Keep to the point. Make your thoughts clear and succinct. Once you have written your letter, read through it and ask whether you could make the same points using fewer words. The recipient is more likely to read a short letter and newspaper will have a limit to the length of the letters they print;
3. Write legibly or use a computer or typewriter;
4. Don't forget to include your name and address so the recipient can reply - it's easier than you may think to forget this!

Letters to Newspapers

When your letter is printed in a newspaper you reach thousands of people. It is very difficult to get letters printed in national newspapers (and most letters are in response to an article already printed in that paper) but far more likely in local newspapers.

Letters to local papers don't necessarily need to be in response to something already printed, you can write about any issue that concerns you locally such as animal circuses that have been in the region.

Check the letters page to see how long letters can be and how to submit them. Newspapers will generally only accept short letters and longer ones may be rejected or edited thus losing crucial points you raise.

Most newspapers now have articles on their websites with the opportunity for people to respond on-line. This is an ideal opportunity to start a debate where you can respond quickly and in more detail, but don't forget to reply to ongoing debates in the actual newspaper too.

Letters don't have to have a negative response. If a circus is coming to your town, mention alternatives like animal-free circuses and state how they are the better option. You can also suggest that readers contact CAPS for a free information pack (include our 'phone number).

Make sure you include your name, address, and telephone number. Some newspapers verify authorship before printing letters but you can ask them not to print your details.

Writing to Politicians

Politicians represent you and other constituents and as such it is important that they are aware of your opinions and what you want them to do. While many people respond to various campaigns by sending a campaign postcard or standard letter to politicians, personal correspondence is much more effective and more likely to be taken notice of.

You should never underestimate the power of the letters that you send to your elected representatives. Whether they are your local councillor, MP or MEP, each one relies on their constituents to tell them their opinions and, in order to maintain public support and count on your vote, they will nearly always respond.

MPs can only make representations on behalf of the people who live in their constituency. It can be frustrating to have a local MP who does not share your views, but this should not stop you writing to them. Don't forget to identify yourself as a constituent. Those from outside an MP's constituency may not be answered.

Perhaps most importantly, do not forget to ask your MP to do something for you. It is far more effective to have your MP write to the Minister concerned or sign an Early Day Motion (EDM) than simply acknowledge your letter. Letters that fail to make a request from an MP will often simply receive a standard response or a copy of the Minister's letter.

If you are unsure who your local politicians are, click here or contact your local library for details. We can also help you find the correct details and how to contact them.

Writing to Companies

Most letters to companies are likely to be asking them to change what they are doing, such as stop using animals in their ads. Yet we shouldn't forget to also give them praise when it is due, for example if they stop using animals.

Companies rely on you, the consumer, to buy their products so you can wield your consumer power by ensuring that they are aware that you prefer to buy from companies with higher ethical standards.

If you are writing to a company in response to a CAPS action alert (from our magazine or on our website) you can use the information from our alert to write your letter. This does not need to be a long letter as CAPS will have already written the company detailing our concerns.