Patient Advocacy Toolkit: Practical Tools

Be sure to use the proper form of address and correct spelling of the authority's name and function
Remember to identify yourself as a constituent
Identify yourself as a patient advocate/ public health professional, in the text of your letter
Short letters are best (one page). Don't use jargon or confusing technical terms
Concentrate on a single issue
Include data and references supporting your request (make sure they are accurate)
If your legislator/health authority helps you by supporting a public health issue, write and thank him/her. Communicate about it via Twitter, the media, etc.
This will create further goodwill for future contacts
Download a sample email here (Word)
Download a sample letter here (Word)

Use key messages
Include only essential information
Limit the number of words on each screen. Try not to use more than four bullet points per slide
Put most important message up front
Avoid jargon and overly complex illustrations/data tables, etc

Write notes in a large font (bullet points), not a full speech which you will be tempted to read out
Know more about your material than you include in your speech
Use humour, personal stories and conversational language
Practice: rehearse out loud, emphasise key messages, find the right flow and speed, articulate (don't mumble). Breathe!

Letters to the Editor should be short (around 150 words)
Before writing a letter, check the publication's website to see if they recommend word counts or have useful guidelines
Do your homework: have other letters been written on the topic? What else can you add with yours?
Know your audience. Use simple language. Avoid jargon. Talk about yourself in connection to the issue

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