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Nina Silver MS3, Halima Suleiman MS3, Priya Patel MS3, Frank Zhou MS4

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Follow SNaHP on Social Media!

Visit our website for chapter resources and more: student.pnhp.org

Want your chapter featured on our social media?

Email snahpmedia@pnhp.org and tell us about the cool stuff you’re doing (don’t forget to share pictures)!

@snahp_

@snhp1

@snahpnational

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SNaHP Summit

Community Agreements

All of you belong here

Speak your truth in ways that respect the truth of others

Assume positive intent

Conflict with civility

Suspend assumptions and turn to wonder

Make space/Take space

This is a space for SNaHP members, PNHP members are welcome to observe but don’t take space from SNaHP members

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Advocacy Through Letter Writing:

How to Influence Legislation Through Letter-Writing

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Objectives

Importance of advocacy through letter writing
How letters influence legislative decisions
Learn how to identify federal legislation to support
How to deem who to write to about the topic
How to write an effective letter to lawmakers
Practical tips for organizing a letter-writing campaign
You'll leave with a ready-to-use outline and access to resources for future advocacy efforts

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What is Letter Writing?

A people-powered action that makes your needs clear to your elected officials
The most effective way to communicate with your representatives
Elected officials see a letter not only as a representation of the writer’s beliefs, but also the position of many others who did not take the time to write

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How to go About Starting Your Letter

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What

Start by identifying your what
What are you writing in support of or against?
This letter should be demanding an action

vote for or against
help get the bill out of committee and onto floor for vote
ensure certain provisions are not removed from bill during its transit through the legal system

https://www.congress.gov/help/find-bills-by-subject

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Why

Why are you advocating for or against the this topic?
Why does/should this matter to who you are writing to?

Use your position as a med student
What communities would be impacted and how?

You should direct them or cite resources supporting your demand

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Who

Know your audience:
What part of the government is currently dealing with your issue?
Tailor your letter to that part of the government
Research Your Legislator :
How are you connected to who you are writing to?
Understand their priorities and positions-are they likely to be convinced?
The person should have influence over the immediate outcome of what you are advocating for
The ASK: Ask the person on the other end to make their stance public
Consequences: Consider the impact of your letter and ASK on your recipient

https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Are we targeting fed or state level? Is this bill being put up for vote in the house or senate? Is it still in committee? Is it on its way to the President
Tailor your message accordingly,
You might not be this person’s constituent
What will happen if the recipient is not swayed by your letter? Do they lose a vote or donation? Are there consequences to a group of people this person should care for? Why and how does this impact them?
Ex: if you are writing a letter regarding a bill currently working through the economics committee, your letter should be tailored to the benefits/harms that bill will have on the economy
Is the person you are writing to one that is likely to be convinced by your argument?
Whoever you write to, they should be able to take direct action regarding your letter. Not every person in congress will be able to do this
Take accountability

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How

Be persuasive and concise-the letter should only be one page
Be respectful
Provide space for others to customize the letter

space at end of pre-printed letter
Access to word doc that they copy onto a paper and can edit as they see fit
Can copy and paste into an email and edit as they see fit

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Follow Up

Importance of Follow-Up

Thank them for their time if you receive a response
Consider sending a follow-up letter if you don’t hear back

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So What Should Your Letter Look Like?

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Structure of the Letter

Start by addressing the legislator appropriately (e.g. Dear Senator)
Use a respectful and professional tone throughout
Be Clear and Direct: State the issue clearly, use simple language and avoid jargon
Include a personal story or anecdote
Keep it Brief: Aim for one page or less
Proofread: Check for grammar and spelling errors to maintain professionalism

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Sample Letter

Your Address
Top Right Corner
Date
Below Your Address
Legislator’s Address
Left Side Below the Date
Salutation
Formal Greeting

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Sample Letter

5. Introduction

State Your Purpose

6. Body Paragraphs

Explain the Issue
Personal Connection, facts and statistics
Include your call to action and propose solutions

7. Conclusion

Summarize Your Points
Express Appreciation

9. Closing

Formal Sign-Off

10. Contact Information

Include Your Email and Phone Number

Begin with a clear statement of why you are writing.
Mention your concern or the specific issue you want to address.
Provide context and details about the issue. Use facts, statistics, and personal anecdotes to make your case compelling.
Share how the issue affects you or your community to make your message relatable.
Suggest specific actions you would like the legislator to take, such as supporting a particular bill or policy.What Do You Want Them to Do?

Be specific about your request (e.g., support a bill, meet with you)
Politely ask for a reply or offer to meet to discuss the issue further

Briefly reiterate your main message and the action you want them to take.
Thank the legislator for their time and consideration.
Use a respectful closing, such as "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by your name.
This makes it easy for the legislator’s office to reach you.

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Toolkits

Amnesty International Toolkit ASHP Toolkit Civics Renewal Network

Useful for learning tone/style Example of how to cite sources See: How to Persuade and

and support your argument Write Letters to Officials

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The Event

In-Person Event

Virtual Campaign

vs.

Digital means are more accessible for us and the senders.
Physical letters are said to have a bigger impact, seeing a stack of 50 letters all saying the same thing has a different emotional weight than 100 email notification
physical letters will require stationary, envelopes, stamps, pens/pencils, and a location in which we can post up to get people to sign
digital letters will usually require the sender to provide their own address/zip code

Consider providing a way for signers to add their own message or edit the one provided

Do you need to provide a way for people to identify their representation in congress to send to them instead of the local rep you might be targeting?

What is the best way to get your message across? Digital vs physical Is this an ongoing campaign or a discrete event? Will letters trickle in naturally overtime or be sent in one big bolus?

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The Event

Can meet other like-minded individuals in a more social environment
Easier to create physical letters
Can attract people with food or merch

Easier to schedule and organize
May attract a wider audience if students live far from campus
Can collaborate with other medical schools

In-Person Event

Virtual Campaign

vs.

Digital means are more accessible for us and the senders.
Physical letters are said to have a bigger impact, seeing a stack of 50 letters all saying the same thing has a different emotional weight than 100 email notification
physical letters will require stationary, envelopes, stamps, pens/pencils, and a location in which we can post up to get people to sign
digital letters will usually require the sender to provide their own address/zip code

Consider providing a way for signers to add their own message or edit the one provided

Do you need to provide a way for people to identify their representation in congress to send to them instead of the local rep you might be targeting?

What is the best way to get your message across? Digital vs physical Is this an ongoing campaign or a discrete event? Will letters trickle in naturally overtime or be sent in one big bolus?

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Tips for an In-Person Event

Schedule at a convenient date, time and location (e.g. immediately after class)
Entice people with food and goodies

PNHP can reimburse $150 per semester for food (send receipts to organizer@pnhp.org)

Have multiple laptops and/or sets of stationery available

Make sure to have paper, envelopes, stamps, pens/pencils
Physical letters are said to have a bigger impact (seeing a stack of 50 letters all saying the same thing carries a heightened emotional weight than 100 email notifications)
Consider collecting and mailing physical letters on behalf of students to ease the process

Utilize multiple modes of marketing (e.g. email blasts, texting friends)
Follow up by sending reminders, updates, and thank-you messages

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Materials to Prepare in Advance for the Event

Templates and Sample Letters (Digital Copies for Virtual Events)

Prepare a few sample letters for participants to reference. Create a template letter they can modify, or provide a few examples to inspire them.
Share the templates and talking points digitally for virtual events. Ensure participants can easily access and download these materials.

Talking Points and Fact Sheets

Offer a one-page handout with key points and facts to include in their letters. Ensure that these are easy to understand and accurate.

Supplies for In-Person Events

Gather pens, paper, envelopes, and stamps. Consider setting up a few tables with supplies and a letter collection box if letters will be delivered in bulk.

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Sample Agenda for the Event

Welcome and Introduction (5-10 minutes)

Greet participants and introduce the purpose of the event. Explain why the issue is important and how letter-writing can make a difference.

Provide Background on the Legislation (10-15 minutes)

Give a brief overview of the healthcare legislation and key points. Share talking points and key messages that participants can use in their letters.

Letter Writing (20-30 minutes)

Encourage attendees to write personalized letters using the provided template and talking points. Offer guidance and assistance, answering questions as needed.

Wrap-Up and Next Steps (10 minutes)

Thank participants and explain how to send their letters.
Provide contact information and future engagement opportunities.

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ACTIVITY!

Now is the time for you to identify a piece of legislation to write a letter about that you think your school would respond well to

Federal Bills Congresspeople Google Form