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Question: I am a intern with the American Heart Association. I need to draft a letter requesting potential members of the community to form a task force for addressing high rates of cardiovascular disease in a borough or community. How can I pose this letter to attract potential members?

Answer: Developing letters and other communication devices is a difficult task. Part C (Chapters 6 and 7) of the "Toolbox" address a variety of techniques for promoting interest and participation in community initiatives. I often refer to Don Dillman's "Mail and Telephone Surveys: The Total Design Method" (1978) to write letters soliciting participation in various community based activities. Dillman's book refers specifically to increasing response rates for surveys but the techniques he describes have application to any effort where the intent is to encourage participation.

Question Date: Wed, 10/14/2009