Letter Writing Tips

When you write your letter, we recommend you include:

A personal salutation - You can write this in or use a computer data base.  If they all must be the same, use "Dear friends and family," rather than "To whom it may concern."

First paragraph - Begin by telling about "an opportunity" you have to serve others who are in great need.  Describe the physical needs of the people in Honduras and how they are already being impacted by missionaries working there.  Encourage them to visit our web site at www.missionroatan.org.  Then briefly describe why it is you want to participate and what you hope to do.  Be personal, be yourself, and be concise.  Many people will not read a full-page letter.

Second paragraph - Suggest amount(s) for a potential donation, list the date by which you hope to raise your full amount (3 months before departure if possible), and instruct them how to give.  Also, indicate that they may contact you with questions.  Include your e-mail and phone number.

Signature - Sign each letter with ink that is a different color than your text.  If you can, add a short, handwritten,  personal note or prayer request.

(Please see Sample Letter #1, and Sample Letter #2 for ideas!)

When you mail your letter, we recommend you include:

the letter itself, of course, possibly on non-white paper.  If you are using a computer, a small picture of you or a Honduran child (copied from our web site) can be very effective as well.

a standardized brochure, produced by your organization, which give details of the mission and information about Honduras, cost, dates, and goals for the group.  It should also contain information on the tax-exempt status of the gift and the address and phone number of the organization and a contact person.  Hopefully it can include some pictures as well.  This will help the text of your letters to be brief.

(optional) an addressed, return envelope, possibly already stamped.  This envelope must be slightly smaller than the outer envelope.

(optional) a response card which has your name on it, the donors name, and indicates the amount of the gift.

Make sure that you have a group leader or other dependable person read you letter before you print them all out to give constructive criticism!