The type of document being prepared

Stage of the Planning Process

How the input will be used

Comments must be specific, clear and understandable

You should provide information as well as opinions

You should request some action or change

You must stay involved

Clearly identify the decision, document or action being addressed.

Address specific issues, statements, or inconsistencies in the document

Describe your specific desires

Indicate what you support as well as oppose

Avoid moral and emotional appeals

Don’t threaten, don’t get personal and don’t make accusations

Isolate separate points in separate paragraphs or with bullets

Identify the offending statement, issue or action

Describe the problems with the statement, issue or action

Keep it simple

Provide information as early in the process as possible

Provide or reference as much information as possible

Develop your own maps, or alternatives

Avoid the "If they don’t know about it they can’t close it" trap

In all cases let the planners know what changes you want to see

Give them choices, if possible

If you present new information, make sure you ask them to include it in the analysis

Don’t wait to be asked for input

Provide data and information whenever you get it

Get to know the people involved in the process

Maintain a regular dialogue with planners

Personal letters or e-mail with specific references to the plan, document or issue

Individual letters or e-mails addressing specific talking points regarding the issue

Form letters or e-mails with personal comments added

Form letters or post cards

Petitions – Don’t waste time your time

Paragraph 1 – Identify the document being addressed. Mention the title and date of issue

Paragraph 2 – Identify yourself or your group

Paragraph 3 - List specific comments on the plan in bullet point or numbered format

Last Paragraph – Thank them for the opportunity to comment and ask to be included on the mailing list . Be specific as to what issues you want to be included on for example: "Travel Management" or "Schedule of Proposed Actions" (SOPA) in your area.