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The Seven Steps for Emailing Your Decision-Maker

Email has changed the way that we communicate and in many ways has replaced other forms of communication, such as phone calls or handwritten letters. This technological tool is fast, cheap, and efficient. However, because it is a fast and relatively informal means of communication, many decision-makers view it as less credible than other methods. If you use email to communicate with your decision-maker, you should do so in the context of an ongoing relationship in which you use other methods as the foundation of your communication.

To craft an email with impact, follow these steps:

1. In the subject line of the message, state that you are a constituent (e.g., Subject: Message from a constituent on charter school issue). Most decision-makers have their staff sort and respond to their email, and this strategy will increase the likelihood that your letter will be read.
2. State your request concisely. View your message as different from an electronic letter. Again, email is less formal and much more brief than traditional written communication. Craft your message accordingly—keep it tight and short.

For all seven steps, sign up with INCS and request a free copy of the Grassroots Toolkit.