Letters of Mercy
Letter writing is effective, it does work and MPs do take notice. The more MPs hear about an issue from their constituents the more likely they are to take action. MPs judge that a large number of constituents share the same concern if they receive just one letter on a particular issue. Along with the postcards you have already sent, you can ask your MP take direct action on your behalf through writing a letter.
Micah Challenge Australia has been encouraging supporters of all ages to write letters to their local MPs, with great effect! Politicians have commented on the creativity and effectiveness of Micah Challenge’s approach to campaigning. They have had at least 10 MPs speak in support of the MDGs in the House of Representatives and 5 Senators speak in support of the MDGs in the Senate. After receiving a large number of letters from pupils and teachers in schools in the Northern Territory, an MP wrote to everyone in response and promised to continue to advocate for support of the MDGs. Their voices are being heard and they are making a real impact. We can too.
Writing a Letter for Mercy shows that not only do Christians care enough about the issue to send a postcard but they care enough to take the time to write a letter and engage more deeply with the call to act justly and love mercy. If you send your letter before 2 June you will be able to remind the Prime Minister of our country’s commitments to the MDGs before he goes to the G8 summit in Germany.
You could consider creative ways of galvanising your church community, family or friends to write too, such as having a letter writing get-together. Why not hand-deliver your letter at your MP's 'surgery' and blow your whistle to let him or her know that we are looking at the half-time scores?
The writing guidelines will help you find your MP and indicate how to write an effective letter. Do it, it’s easy and effective.
