Things That Should Be Included in a Government Agency Letter

Beth Rifkin reports:

"To have the concerns or comments in your letter read by the appropriate officials, it needs to reach the right government agency. Addressing the letter clearly and correctly is important. An envelope that is sloppy, dirty, wrinkled or that contains an address scribbled with poor penmanship could be tossed aside without receiving further attention. By following proper and professional etiquette and standards, you stand a greater chance of having your letter be taken seriously. Identify the person to whom the letter is being sent. If it is a citizen working in the government agency, you would follow a standard business format for writing his name in the address...Document the office on the second line, such as, 'The Office of the Attorney General.' Write the street address, with a particular floor or suite, if applicable, on the next line. Write the city, state and zip code on the following line. Form a salutation that is in line with the particular person and the position that she or he holds. For the Attorney General, the proper salutation would be, 'Dear Mr. Attorney General,' or 'Dear Madam Attorney Genera[l].'"