Always include the following information:

Name
Age
Location
Occupation
E-mail address

Companies thrive on demographic information, so your letter is more likely to be taken seriously if you include ALL of the above information. Phone numbers are appreciated but not mandatory.

RESPECT, RESPECT AND MORE RESPECT! Always, but ALWAYS, show the utmost respect for the person you're addressing!

Always use 12-point font for your letters.

Always get to the point quickly.

Always thank McDonald's for their time and attention to your letter.

Don't worry about being eloquent; just get your point across as clearly as you can without resorting to sarcasm, anger or threats.

Always type your letter. If you must write it out by hand, make sure it is legible and clear.

Always take the position that the company to whom you are writing want to do right by the consumer ("I'm sure that you  must be unaware of the danger of your product, as I know you take great pride in animal welfare.")

Always arm yourselves with brief, concise examples that embody the problem, as you see it. This is an AWARENESS campaign, so make sure to give examples that illustrate why McDonald's may not want to continue producing a life threatening lid.

If you don't have the name of a specific person, address your letter "To Whom It May Concern" and request a contact name/person with whom you can communicate in later correspondence ("I would appreciate it if you could please give me the name and phone number of a person in your department with whom I correspond directly in the future.")

Keep a copy of your letter for yourself for future reference.
 

NEVER criticize the company you are addressing! ("If you really cared about animal welfare, you wouldn't still be producing these McFlurry lids!") This is a campaign to raise awareness: remember that as you write your letters!

DO NOT write angry, threatening or sarcastic letters. The key is to get McDonald's on our side, NOT to alienate them!

Do NOT use e-mail/chat shorthand (C-ya, L8R, LOL, etc.) or foul language/curse words.

Do NOT use a form letter, if possible! Letters that are written from the heart make more of an impression than letters that have been downloaded off of the internet and tweaked to suit your cause. (If you have problems writing your letter or if you would like some help, please don't hesitate to contact us -- we'll be more than happy to help!)

Your letter should NOT exceed 5 BRIEF paragraphs, again if possible! (See our sample letters for examples on how to phrase your letter.)