Every journey begins with one small step, and even the biggest campaign can start with one small letter.
You can be that person who takes the first step to start a campaign that changes the world - or at least your neighbourhood! But before you start, why not read through our tips on how to make your letter matter?
Maybe there's something in your local area you'd like to see saved, or changed. Perhaps there's a chance your local post office will close, or maybe the pavement on your street is covered with chewing gum? Why not speak up with a letter! But letters don't have to be about just local issues, because letter writers who won't take no for an answer can change big things, too. Large firms have been stopped from polluting the world because people have written letters to get things changed.
Now it's your turn
Begin by jotting down your worries on paper, as this will help order your thoughts, and will give you a clear picture of the problem and what needs to be done to fix it.
Before writing anything further, work out what you want to see done, and the best ways of making this happen.
Next, jot down the details you need for your case, like dates of earlier letters, names of people involved, and any references or account numbers.
Get started
Keep your letter short but full of detail. Try not to sound too angry; the person opening your letter is more likely to help you if your letter comes across as being calm and matter of fact. While it may make you feel a bit better to get things off your chest, this will also mean that people are less likely to want to help you solve your problem.
When writing a letter in order to get things done, make it clear to the reader how important the issue you're writing about is to you. Talk about the harm that will come from nothing being done, and be very clear about what you would like to see happen, and when.
Val's letter sparks a memorable day
Besides supporting campaigns, letters are great for saying 'thank you' as Bookbite reader, Val Ward, 70, found to her surprise.
When Val's local newspaper started their search for a local hero to open the new ASDA in Crawley, Val knew exactly who to nominate. Her letter started: 'My local hero is, I am sure, too young to be given the honour of opening the ASDA store, but I w
ould like you to know what a little hero he is to me.'
Val described how her grandson, Kieron, had cared for her while she was recovering from cancer; helping with chores from putting the washing out to keeping the garden tidy. Val wanted to say a special 'thank you' but was amazed to receive a call from ASDA.
Kieron opened the new store on his tenth birthday. Welcomed by the Mayor of Crawley, the family received a red carpet reception and it became a day that Val certainly will never forget.
(From left to right): Val Ward, the Manager of Asda, Val's daughter Juliet and Crawley Mayor at the time (Brian Quinn) with Devon (Kieron's younger brother) and Kieron
