Get addresses for the congressmen and women you are trying to reach by calling the public library and asking a research assistant for the information. Review your reasons for writing the letters. Prepare to get your point across by using a separate sheet of paper to outline the key things you want to say. Jot down four or five thoughts -- more if necessary -- in order of importance. Make the thoughts one or two sentences long. Type your letter for a professional appearance. Introduce yourself in the first paragraph and try to connect something about who you are with your reason for writing. For example, describe your life as a retiree while being worried about possible cuts to Social Security. Get to the point of your letter in the second paragraph with a concise description of your problem or concern. Continue building on this while finishing the letter. Keep the entire letter to a page or two. End your letter with a closing such as "Sincerely yours." Sign and mail t...