Letters to the Editor
These are a primary means of participating in a public debate.  The Letters to the Editor sections of most papers are taken seriously by newspaper readers and they are scrutinised very carefully by local members as a means of gauging the voting public’s attitude on particular subjects. This is particularly so in marginal seats.
Obviously Municipal or Shire Councillors are more likely to look at the letters in the local weekly than those in the national dailies.

Keep letters short. Most newspapers rarely publish letters that exceed 200 words.
Confine your letters to a single idea, and ensure that your key point is clearly stated in the first paragraph.
Present your views in a positive, reasonable and respectful way. Never be abusive or sarcastic.
If you are naming people, refer to them using their titles rather than by their surnames only, e.g. “Mr Jones claims ... “rather than “Jones claims ….”
Avoid writing styles that may have the effect of turning people away from your ideas. For example, a pompous tone may cause  readers to judge you rather than the quality of your opinions.
Send copies to as many papers as possible.
    Always ensure that you sign your letter and include your name, address and telephone number.

Letters to Local Members
     Someone once estimated that for every letter received by a member of parliament, twelve other people didn’t bother to write but still hold the same view.
     For this reason politicians take their correspondence seriously.

    Keep letters simple and to the point. Write about what you would like your Member to do rather than what you don’t like.
Elected representatives have a responsibility to consider the views of their constituents and it is perfectly reasonable for voters to assume an instructive tone in their letters, e.g “It is my desire that you ...” , “I wish to advise you that …”, etc.
Sign all letters and include your name, address and telephone number.
    Don’t forget to write letters of thanks, praise and encouragement when the people you write to act on your requests.

Intensive Letter Writing Campaigns
If there is strong feeling in your community about a particular issue, it is essential to encourage people to make their feelings known. Often this requires someone to take an assertive role by coordinating and advising in a mass letter writing campaign.
Similar strategies can be used in writing to companies and businesses that are acting in ways that many would regard as being less than ideal.
    Where concerned groups are involved it is possible that people being lobbied will be pleased to meet with the group to present their own views and hear more detailed concerns.

     Letters can often be written in a social environment. Find a central location for a group of people to meet (e.g. church hall ) and do their writing over a cup of tea.
Although they are not ignored, pro-forma letters are not held to be as significant as those written personally by community members. A good way to encourage people to write is to provide them with a helpful circular containing a list of points and arguments to choose from, but expecting them to phrase their own letters. Don’t forget to include the addresses of the targeted politicians or companies in the circular.
     Sign all letters and include your name, address and telephone number.