Legibility counts. If possible, typewrite or print out your letter, rather than sending a handwritten letter.

Be sure to include your name and your address with your zip code, so your congressperson knows you're a constituent.

Above all else, remember to refrain from personal insults. You can call the bill misguided, but don't call your congressperson an idiot--even if you're right.

2torial #0818: Learn2 Write to your Congressperson (Continued) Revise your letter Once you've drafted your letter, leave it alone for a while. Then come back and read it through from beginning to end. If possible, trim your letter to a single page. Longer letters are likely just to get skimmed, rather than read carefully.   If you've written an angry letter, edit it especially carefully. Stating that you're furious is one thing. Launching into a diatribe or insulting the character of the person to whom you're writing, however, greatly reduces your power to persuade.   On the other hand, you may find in rereading it that your letter doesn't state your feelings strongly enough. Don't hesitate to add the adjectives that will convey that you're really enthusiastic or deeply troubled about the issue.   Bring in the reserves. You can attach to your letter copies of articles from your local paper, for instance, that help prove your point. Look for headlines that are provocative and demonstrate the community's concern, e.g., "Locals protest nuclear dump site." Step 4