TOOL: COMMUNICATING WITH LOCAL ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
GOALS:
 Alert elected officials and decision-makers to the overwhelming community
support for McMillan redevelopment
 Make it easy for elected officials and decision-makers to vote in support of
VMP plans, knowing that their community is behind them
(See SAMPLE letter to elected attached)
(See contact information for elected officials and decision-makers attached)
Relatively few people will ever communicate with their elected officials to support or
oppose something. For this reason, local, state and even federal officicials take
notice when they are inundated with letters, calls or emails from residents about any
particular issue. With regard to McMillan, opponents of redevelopment have been
very active in communicating with the Council, the HPRB and other appointed
bodies throughout the process. As a result, the overwhelming support from the
community is not as clear as it should be with decision-makers.
It is important that Neighbors for McMillan frequently write, email and call the council
and other elected/appointed officials and encourage their friends and neighbors to
do the same.
Where should communication be focused?
You will be alerted via email and social media when it is time to communicate
directly with Zoning and/or Mayors Agent. In the meantime, you should direct
communication to your Councilman (Ward 5: Kenyan McDuffie or Ward 1: Jim
Graham), but copy the ENTIRE Council and the Mayor. (Contact information is
included in the toolkit. If you need to find your Ward, visit
http://www.dcboee.org/voter_info/find_pollingplace/index.asp)
Tips for corresponding with elected officials and decision-makers
 While there is a draft letter included in the toolbox, individualized (non-form)
letters will have the most impact. Use the key messages and talking points
document to personalize your letter and articulate the specific reason you
support redevelopment of McMillan.
 Be as concise as possible.
 Include your address and phone number in every letter and email.
 Thank the council member for taking the time to read your letter.
 Remember that correspondence with any elected official is about building an
ongoing relationship and persuading them to think of you as a resource. Even if
an elected official does not agree with your point of view on an issue today,
they might in the future.
 Make sure the important information contained in your letter or email jumps
out. You can do this by putting the action you are requesting in the subject line
(ex: Support redevelopment for McMillan) or by making your key points bold.
Email tips:
 Include “SUPPORT REDEVELOPMENT OF MCMILLAN” in your subject line
 Consider also copying local media on your email (see attached media list)
Keep Vision McMillan Partners Informed
 VMP will be supporting your efforts by tracking communication with the
council, Zoning, Mayor’s Agent and the media – both for and against.
 Blind copy info@envisionmcmillan.com on emails or copy/scan and
email/fax letters to VMP.