How-To GuidesTo make it easier for you to fulfil your commitments, our team has put together these guides to assist you to take action! |
Approach a politicianApproaching politicians is part of making your voice heard and speaking out about poverty.
When it comes to writing to politicians, you might be surprised to find out that less can in fact be more. It might shock you to find out that it doesn't actually matter all that much what you write, what is most important is that you've taken the time to write the letter in the first place. It shows that your issue is very important to you, and perhaps, may influence your vote. So don't worry, you don't have to write an essay for your letter to be effective. In fact, the shorter, clearer and simpler it is—the better! (If you're not old enough to vote—you will be one day so politicians still care about you). So here is your challenge. Spend the next 10 minutes writing a letter to three different politicians. "Say what?" That's right, don't leave this challenge to someone else. It's up to you. This is how the movement is created—by you taking action! Never written a letter to a pollie before? It's really easy, and organisations like RESULTS Australia can show you how if you need help getting started! 1. Who do I send my letter to? We recommend that you send three letters (they can be the same letter, just addressed to different people). They should go to:
2. What do I write in my letter? Firstly, think about what you want your letter to achieve. You need to clearly state what action you want the politician to take. This should be the opening sentence of your letter. For example, your purpose might be to get Australia to increase its aid budget, or you may want the government to focus on providing better aid rather than just more aid. If so you could open your letter in one of the following ways: "I urge you to encourage the Australian Government to increase Australia's contribution of foreign development assistance to 0.7% of gross national income." "I urge you to encourage the Australian Government to focus on increasing the productivity of Australian aid contributions by spending aid on key infrastructure, technology and governance to create attractive trade environments." You should also include a paragraph or two explaining why you urge the politician to take that particular action. If you're stuck for ideas, think about some of the facts, stories or ideas that stayed with you after seeing 1.4 billion reasons. (By the way, if you haven't seen the presentation, you should get some friends together and attend one near you). 3. Ummm, how do I write a letter? Can't remember whose address line goes first, or where to put the date? Organisations like RESULTS can help you get started. 4. Will this work? Yes! This is a really effective way to bring about change. It's all about the numbers. If the politicians receive enough letters, they will bring about change. And change at the government level is critical!
If you're a numbers person, here are some figures for you. In 2008, World Vision, Australia's largest charity, received $326.6 million in donations from the Australian public. In the same year, the Australian Government contributed $3,171.8 million (or $3.17 billion) to international development assistance.
Whilst the government's contribution sounds big, it is considered small when you measure it as a percentage of Australia's total budget and compare this with other wealthy countries' contributions. This means while Australia is giving 0.32%, Austria is giving 0.5%, Denmark 0.8%, Ireland 0.55%, Luxembourg 0.91%, Netherlands 0.81%, Norway 0.95% and Sweden 0.93%. Do we belong at the bottom of this list? Surely not.
So why is all of this important? If Australia increases its aid budget only slightly, or in the best case scenario to the UN target of 0.7% of GNI, this will massively increase our contribution to ending extreme poverty.
Even if the politician doesn't read your letter personally, it is still a victory. Someone in their office will be responsible for opening all letters and reading them. If they are sent a large number of letters on a particular subject, they will take notice. It is in their interest. After all, they have to win your vote to keep their job.
For super effectiveness you can send your letter as an e-mail and by cutting and pasting the e-mail addresses of Members of Parliament from this members list you can send it as far and wide as you see fit.
Addresses
The Hon Stephen Smith MP Mr Bob McMullan MP The Honourable Simon Crean MP The Hon Kevin Rudd MP The Hon Wayne Swan MP All of the above can be contacted at: PO BOX 6022 |
