Tobacco Documents Online

Tips for Effective Letters A brief, to-the-point letter is a good way to raise the issue of secondhand smoke with an employer, restaurant owner, day care director, and others. An effective letter ",should follow an outline like the one below: 1. State your purpose: Your goal is to have a nonsmoking policy instituted. State recent facts from the Environmental Protection Agency and other Information found in this guide. Secondhand smoke is now officially a"Group A" carcinogen (known to cause cancer in humans). 2. Explain why secondhand smoke Is an Important problem: State reasons why you and everyone in your community should be guarded against the effects of secondhand smoke. Mention the special vulnerabilities of children and the permanent effect It can have on their lung development. , 3. Support your opinion with facts: Tailor your facts to the particular area in which you want to see a smoking policy instituted. Remember that the facts are on your side - they are your ammunition. 4. Be clear about what action you are looking for. Be sure to state clearly what action you would like to see, such as a total ban or the designation of a restricted smoking area. , 5. Explain how you intend to help the cause: You need to be willing to back up your opinion with specific,actions that will help initiate this policy. Ask what else you can do to help change things. : Some additional tips: ' 4 Be firm and get your point aanss - but at the same time note that you understand and sympathize with smokers, who must fight a powerful addiction. Emphasize the Importance of a smoking policy for the health of nonsmokers as well as smokers who are lpolcing for a reason to quit. • Follow up your letter with a phone call. U.8. DEPARTNAENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ' CI)C Pub4c H.afth S.rvb. '01O` . '°"°