DO address your elected official and media representative properly.
DO type or handwrite your letters legibly.
DO be brief and to the point.
DO identify a piece of legislation by number or title if possible.
DO cite the media source, date, time, page, etc as it applies to your message.
DO identify yourself.
DO be courteous and reasonable.
DO write or phone to say you approve, not just complain or oppose.

DON'T begin on a righteous note such as "As a citizen and taxpayer..."
DON'T be rude or threatening.
DON'T apologize for taking up the reader's/listener's time.
DON'T be vague or wander off the issue you wish to raise/address.

Telephone Calls:

A brief telephone call can prove to be an effective way of directly communicating with your elected official and the media.

Be sure to be well prepared and well informed.

If you have written to, or visited an elected official remind him/her of that previous contact. If the official is personally unavailable, speaking with an assistant or aide concerning the issue at hand is also effective.

If you see, hear, or read a positive or negative presentation of the facts relating to Armenian issues on television, radio or in newspapers, a phone call is the most immediate form of media response. Following-up with a personal letter is an effective way of completing the message of your telephone communication.

Form Letters:

Form letters to elected officials relating to a particular issue are very effective when sent by more than a few individuals. In such instances, because volume is important, do not hesitate to persuade as many members of your family and friends to send their messages as well.

Individual Letters:

Even in this day of e-mails, the letter (either posted or faxed) remains the most widely used form of communication. The mail is the major focal point for legislators and news outlets. In certain circumstances, the letter is more effective than the e-mail as many public figures have a policy of not answering e-mails. This may, however, change in the near future.

Each letter sent by constituents to the offices of elected officials is answered, and the amount of mail received on a particular issue or piece of legislation frequently helps determine how the official may vote or respond.

In relation to the media, you may not receive a direct response from the television/radio station or newspaper to which you have written, but your letter does make an impact on ensuring responsible and accurate news reporting and programming.