The Lost Art of Letter-Writing

I remember learning how to write a proper letter in 3rd grade. At the time, remembering the differences between personal and business letter headings seemed impossible. Of course now, everything seems to be done through email, which is convenient and fast.

However, letters still have their place. When I read about the successful campaigns of the past, I read about the hundreds or thousands of letters that poured in from concerned citizens. Those letters made a difference, and they still can. Consider writing letters to the editor of your favorite magazines and newspapers, to companies who engage in unethical animal treatment, or to lawmakers concerning bills that relate to animal welfare.

It is a simple and effective way to voice your opinion, especially if you join in larger letter-writing campaigns. Those are easy to find though your favorite animal organizations, or you could organize one yourself.

If you were to spend 20 minutes a week for a year writing a letter to one person, organization, publication, or company, that would be 52 letters. In fact, you could probably invest an hour in creating a few form letters, then edit them slightly and fire one off in a few minutes every Monday.

Form letter or not, you want your words to be effective, so be polite, clear, and concise. This letter-writing guide has some great tips.

For my part, I'm going to take my own suggestion and write some form letters, seek out some campaigns, and start voicing my opinion at least once a week.