Sample “Dear Colleague” letter

ON YOUR LETTERHEAD

Date

Name

Address

City, State

Dear Name:

Congratulations on another year in office! (or Congratulations on your election to the State House or Senate!) It is such a pleasure to serve with you and other women in our state legislature. Women’s voices are more important than ever to our state, and our country.

As you begin preparing for our upcoming session, I invite you to join me in an organization that tirelessly and successfully promotes women in office. WiLL (Women Legislators’ Lobby) is a national bipartisan network of women state legislators that serves as a valuable resource to us.. Forty-eight of the women in Congress came through WiLL ranks, with the support of its PAC.

WiLL offers pertinent and useful materials.

You will receive timely alerts on federal policy and budget priorities, and information about how they affect our state programs. WiLL provides simple, effective ways to influence our Members of Congress and the federal decisions that impact our constituents and our state budget.

WiLL hosts inspiring and informative events.

You will learn from other amazing women who lead the way on the issues that really matter. WiLL regularly brings together women legislators (state and federal), executive branch members, policy experts, and community leaders. WiLL offers issue briefings, skills-building training, and national conferences – widely acclaimed as the best in the field. WiLL’s biennial conference in 2011 will feature inspiring leaders, topnotch professional development seminars, and Congressional delegation meetings.

WiLL fortifies relationships among legislators and community leaders.

You will have great opportunities to connect with supportive activists and organizations in our state -- and in Washington-- and to strengthen relationships with Congressional colleagues.

WiLL provides media opportunities and training.

You can participate in great training sessions with national leaders in the media field. WiLL helps craft and place op-eds to spotlight women legislators. And WiLL provides consistent support to help you raise your profile– in print, radio, TV, as well as working with new media..

Today’s state leaders face great challenges. As we work to balance our budgets and meet the needs of our constituents, WiLL provides the big picture on federal policies and programs, and links us with fellow legislators across the country.

Join WiLL today! Send in your one-year membership for $60 or two-year membership for $100, or apply for a membership scholarship.

Sincere regards,

(signed)

WiLL State Director