Writing Elected Officials

Regardless of how you voted, once in office, elected officials need to know that you are depending on them to solve the climate challenge. Write and tell them what's at stake. 

Letter Writing Tips:

• Mention upfront that you are a constituent (i.e., you live in their district).
• Be specific. Discuss specific legislation or steps your elected official can take to combat climate change and let them know you are watching their actions.
• Keep it short.
• Use a collaborative, rather than accusatory, tone. We must build partnerships to create change.
• Look beyond just state or national elected leaders. Your list of officials could include:
  
  • Mayor
  • City council representatives
  • Religious leaders
  • PTA/school leaders
  • Leaders of professional associations

If your elected official writes back, please let us know here.

A letter to your mayor might look like this:

Dear [mayor]:

As an active resident of Everytown, I am eager to see our city lead the way in combating the climate crisis. The stakes are high and the opportunities great. It is time for us to act to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and begin living more sustainably.

The following are some ways we as a city can do our part in the coming year:

• Use green building techniques for new construction.
• Require all public buildings to use compact fluorescent lightbulbs and energy efficient appliances.
• Encourage residents to use bicycles for short trips around town by expanding secure bike parking and adding bike lanes to new roads.

In your acceptance speech last year, you talked about how important it is to you that Everytown residents are proud of their city. By taking these measures to combat global warming, we can all be proud of the leadership role Everytown is taking to create a more sustainable planet for everyone.

I look forward to seeing action on these issues in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Robin Concernedcitizen