DHIVERSE - HIV and Sexual Health Charity

Writing and Lobbying

DHIVERSE works to influence policy and opinion in a number of areas. Your help and involvement could really contribute towards implementation of changes in policy which will benefit people's lives. Whether you want to address issues around investment in HIV and sexual health care in the UK, the criminalisation of HIV transmission, or the proportion of UK overseas aid spent on healthcare in the developing world, writing to your MP or to the press can help effect change!

Every single email or letter really can make a difference as it is recognized that only a small percentage of the population will take the time to write and express their views. Therefore, those who do are commonly assumed to represent a large proportion of the unspoken majority!

Contact details for your MP can be found here.

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How to lobby effectively

Write in a clear, concise and polite manner taking ownership for all statements.
Print your name and address on all correspondence and ask for a response to your correspondence.
Explain your interest in the issue. If you have been personally affected by the issue and feel comfortable to do so, describe your experiences. Try to tell a story in your communication to make it a personal issue for the reader.
If you have any professional or academic knowledge of the issue state what it is.
If applicable, quote legislation, including the title and section(s) of the act or bill.
Build on a politician's work by writing a supporting letter if they are already supporting and lobbying for change in an issue you support. This can only strengthen their work and commitment to a cause that is viewed by the general public as important too.
If you do not receive any reply after a reasonable length of time write another letter making reference to your first.
Write a follow-up letter or email - this may be a thank you for their reply or an expression of polite disappointment with their response.

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