How Parents Can Write Emails Lawmakers Can’t Ignore
Parents don’t need a lobbyist badge to protect their kids. Lawmakers do read emails—when someone writes with clarity, courage, and heart. Use this parent-focused playbook, inspired by history’s most persuasive voices, to make your message impossible to skim past.
1) Start With Your Story — Not a Speech
Stories move hearts faster than statistics. Open with one real moment that makes the issue human.
“I’m a mother of five and a hospital pharmacist. I’ve watched kids collapse from products labeled ‘natural’ that act like opioids.”
One vivid sentence is enough. You’re not just sharing data—you’re bearing witness.
2) Be Strong Without Shouting
Anger is understandable; moral clarity persuades better. Appeal to shared values like safety and fairness.
“No child should be able to buy an unregulated drug from a gas station counter.”
3) Ask for Exactly What You Want
Don’t say “do something.” Be precise and tie it to their role or committee.
“Please co-sponsor HB 145 to ban kratom sales statewide. As a member of the Health Committee, your leadership could save lives.”
4) Back It Up With Credibility
Include one clear fact or authority to show you’ve done your homework (CDC, FDA, state board of pharmacy, etc.).
“According to recent public-health reports, kratom products have been linked to severe harm, including deaths.”
Link to a short resource page or your organization’s data hub for staff to review.
5) Find Common Ground
Lead with what you and the legislator both value: protecting kids in every district.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about keeping children in our community safe.”
6) Make the Legislator the Hero
Invite leadership. Show how their action becomes the model others follow.
“With your help, our state could be the first to protect families from these products.”
7) Keep It Short and Clear
- Stay under 250 words.
- Short paragraphs. Strategic bolding.
- One ask. One link. One closing sentence.
8) End With Respect — and Hope
Finish dignified and action-ready.
“Thank you for protecting families like mine. I’d be honored to share data or meet with your staff.”
The Parent Formula That Moves Policy
Heart + Credibility + Clarity + Respect = Change.
These are the same tools great persuaders used to move history—and the same tools parents can use to keep dangerous “herbal highs” away from kids.
Take Action in 5 Minutes
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