State and federal Representatives and Senators are elected by people like you. Thus, they are very responsive to what the voters in their districts have to say. Indeed, letters are the most underrated form of persuasion available to the ordinary citizen. A well-written, thoughtful letter is more effective than a petition signed by 500 people because it is personal and demonstrates the person's commitment on the issue. Here are some tips on how to write effective letters to your legislator.

1. First, write your legislator. Every Senator and Representative is primarily interested in what their own constituents have to say and less interested in what others have to say. Occasionally there is a special reason for writing someone other than your legislator, for example, a chairman of a committee. You may write any legislator you wish but you will have the greatest impact on those from your home district.

2. Be sincere. Show that the matter is important to you. Know your legislator's full name and take the time to spell it correctly. Use your personal stationery or business letterhead if you have it. Don't use printed forms or copy form letters.

3. Always be courteous. Don't use threats -- ever!

4. Be clear and concise. Don't be wordy. A one-page letter is best. Identify the bill by number and topic. Don't assume that the legislator is well informed on the problem. They can't keep abreast of the hundreds of bills that are filed. Use facts which support your position. State clearly your position and exactly what you expect of your legislator. In each letter, stay on one subject. If you have views on other subjects and bills, put them in separate letters.

5. Be "down to earth." Don't state mere philosophical views -- get to the nitty gritty facts. Tell the legislator how the issue affects you and your local area. Give examples and anecdotes to illustrate your point.

6. Write at the right time. Hundreds of bills are introduced in the legislature. In order to be effective, legislators must concentrate on particular bills around the time action is to be taken. Your letter will be more effective if it is received during that time when your legislator is concentrating on the bill. For example, if he or she is a senator and the bill is pending in the House, their interest will not be high at that time. By joining MCC's Citizen Networks, you will be alerted when action is timely.

7. Ask for a reply. As their constituent, you are entitled to know your legislator's views and positions. Ask for it in a polite way and give them time to develop their view. Clearly write your name and return address on the letter, not just the envelope, so that they will know where to reply.

8. Write again! Follow up on your first letter. Your second letter will have twice the impact of your first letter. It shows that you are really interested and will remember your legislator's actions.

• If you don't get a reply, write again. Restate your views and ask for a response.

• If you receive a reply but it does not give a clearly stated position, write again and ask for clarification.

• If your legislator votes your position, write again and say thanks. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Your thank you letter will be remembered and the next time you write your views will have more effect.

• If your legislator votes opposite your views, write of your disappointment but stay positive and polite.

9. Report any response you get on the legislator's opinion back to the Missouri Catholic Conference, 1-800-456-1679, or email us at mocatholic@mocatholic.org.

The proper form of address is as follows: