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Sending
a letter or an email to governments and politicians or to newspapers
and TV stations is one of the most important ways in which you can
help WSPA's campaigns for animal welfare around the world. On some
issues WSPA also runs petitions or postcard campaigns where you
can become involved in helping us collect signatures from thousands
of people.
Here
are a few tips you can follow to make sure your letter is really
noticed
- Make
sure your letter is addressed to a named individual - details
of your local political representatives can be obtained from libraries.
Details of the embassies of different countries can be found from
telephone directory inquiries, or via the internet.
- Be
polite but firm about what you want to see achieved
- Keep
your letter short and to the point
- Make
sure the information you give is factually correct
- Avoid
overly emotive language but make it clear why the issue affects
you personally
- Be
clear about what you want to see happen
- Give
the full name of any proposed law or parliamentary bill that you
want to see passed.
- Include
your name and address and ask for a reply
- Write
letters to congratulate organisations and governments if they
make changes to improve animal welfare
Using
the correct form address
There are no hard and fast rules for addressing important officials,
so don't worry too much about not following etiquette. Being polite
and respectful is the most important point to remember. The following
simple rules will help you achieve the right tone:
| Presidents
and Ambassadors: Your Excellency |
| Prime
Ministers: Dear Prime Minister |
| President
of the USA: Dear Mr President |
| Ministers
of State*: Your Excellency |
| Kings,
Queens and other Monarchs: Your Majesty |
| End
your letters: Yours respectfully |
| Other
officials & elected representatives: Dear Sir |
| End
your letter: Yours faithfully |
*
In Europe it's common to address ministers as Dear Sir in
which case you should end your letter Yours faithfully.
Writing to newspapers or TV and radio stations
If
you want something to be published make it as short as possible
- most letters in newspapers are restricted to one clear message.
Encourage
the media to take more interest in one of WSPA's campaigns
Explain
what you are doing locally to try and help animals
Consider
organising a special event for one of WSPA's campaigns
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