TED: Omar Ahmad: Political change with pen and paper

We live in a digital world, but we're analog creatures. Letters mean a chance for meaningful dialogue with your elected official.

Politicians are strange creatures, says politician Omar Ahmad. And the best way to engage them on your pet issue is a monthly handwritten letter. Ahmad shows why old-fashioned correspondence is more effective than email, phone or even writing a check -- and shares the four simple steps to writing a letter that works.

Effective Letters Have Four Paragraphs:

• Paragraph 1: I appreciate you.
• Paragraph 2: What's really on your mind.  Attack tactics, not people.
• Paragraph 3: An exit strategy
• Paragraph 4: Be helpful. "Let me provide this information."
• Sign using your various titles and social roles.

Pay special attention to the "hack" for getting your letters noticed.