Guide to letter-writing
Traditionally, Amnesty International has been known for launching highly-effective international letter-writing campaigns.
Letters (and postcards) are an effective way for individuals and small groups contribute to a large global movement - because every single letter counts.
As an activist with Amnesty, you likely have been or will be part of many letter-writing campaigns. Here are a few tips to help you perfect your style:
See the Letter Writing Tips on our action pages too!
In Your Letter:
- Give the Facts. Give as much information (date and place of the violation, names and other facts about the victim, etc) as possible. Cite the article (from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or other convention) or law that has been violated. This will convey that you are informed as well as concerned.
- Follow Amnesty Guidelines. All AI Canada letter-writing actions give recommendations or requests to be made of the recipient. Be sure to follow these exactly - if the action asks for a prisoner to receive medical treatment, say that - don't ask for things that aren't included
- Be Brief. Try to keep your letter to less than one page.
- Be Courteous and Respectful.
- Remain Impartial. Avoid making reference to any particular religious beliefs, cultural norms or political ideologies. Amnesty's impartiality is key to its success. Instead, refer to basic human rights standards from the Universal Declaration of Human rights and other international documents.
More Tips:
- Make it personal! Remember that this is a letter coming from you. Writing a letter in your own words and with your own style will be more effective than a form letter. You may also wish to give an indication of who you are (ie: high school or university student); this will help indicate that the letter is genuine, and that people of all ages and walks of life are interested in this case.
- If you are writing on behalf of a person, highlight that person's name. That way, even if you letter is not read, whoever opens it will quickly understand its meaning.
- Keep copies of what you write. This way you'll be able to respond well if you get a reply.
- Watch your language! Even if you are writing to a country where English is not an official language, a well-written English letter is better than a letter in another language that may contain mistakes. In the same manner, if you understand another language and feel that an appeal may be more effective written in that language, write away!
What To Do If you Get a Reply:
Send a copy to the national office!
Copies of all replies (including form letters) should be sent to the national office:
Amnesty International
312 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa, ON
K1N 1H9
Fax: (613) 746-2411
There, staff will ensure that copies are sent to relevant people, such as country coordinators and researchers.
Sometimes Amnesty members receive replies in languages other than English. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide a translation service for letters that you receive. If you know someone who can translate a reply for you, don't hesitate to ask them - you may help draw a new person into human rights activism! If you don't know anyone who can help you, try the language department of your local college or university. If you are able to receive a translation, the national office would appreciate a copy.