• Created by Unknown User (greenesl2@appstate.edu), last updated on Sept 25, 2023 2 minute read

Social work is a field that is often directly involved in activism, social welfare, and promoting social change. Advocacy letters are an effective tool in bringing attention to important issues, fighting for clients’ rights, and supporting policy solutions. When writing these letters, it is important to be clear, professional, and succinct. Audiences for advocacy letters can vary depending on the issue being addressed, but they generally include individuals or organizations in positions of authority, such as elected officials, government agencies, and nonprofit or granting organizations.

Getting Started

  • Be clear, thorough, and concise.

    • Use logic and facts as the basis of the letter rather than emotional appeals.

  • Conduct thorough research on the issue before beginning the letter.

    • Research the audience for the letter to better understand their position on the topic. 

    • Try to find out what biases, positive or negative, the organization or letter recipient has with regard to the issue. This will help you construct a targeted persuasive letter.

What to Include

  • The letter’s heading should include the writer’s return address and the date. The inside address should include the recipient’s or organization’s name and mailing address. The greeting should be formal and in business letter format.

  • Open by stating the purpose of the letter and position.

    • If writing an elected representative about a specific piece of legislation, include the appropriate bill number.

  • Discuss the issue using facts and research to persuade readers that the issue and position are legitimate.

    • Explain how the issue impacts the community (and/or client[s], if relevant).

  • Dedicate the next section of the letter to the desired action.

    • How can recipients make a difference using their power? What position does the writer want them to take on the issue?

Ending the Letter

  • Close by politely requesting a response from the recipient.
    • In order to encourage a response, provide all current and relevant contact information.
  • Provide a written signature (if possible), typed signature, and title.

References

Advocacy. (n.d.) Gallaudet University. Retrieved from http://www.gallaudet.edu/tutorial-and-instructional-programs/english-center/the-process-and-type-of-writing-/letters/advocacy

Beerman, D. (2012). Advocacy handbook for social workers. National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter. Retrieved from http://www.naswnc.org/resource/ resmgr/Advocacy/Advocacyhandbook.pdf