Write Well
Not all interns are tasked with drafting form letters; it is a responsibility usually reserved for those that demonstrate excellent writing skills. When you draft a letter, make sure that it is your best work by correcting grammar and showing knowledge of your boss’ positions. Writing a well written reply is a great way to get noticed in your office, so do your research, no matter how boring or interesting the topic. Pro tip: research the topic or bill on LIS or Thomas.gov to get a thorough understanding of your boss’ stance before you start writing!
Upload and Approve
The steps of uploading your draft letter into Fireside are pretty simple and can be found here. Once your draft is in Fireside, make sure you know the approval process for your office. Some send drafts through the Status/Staff Assignment option on the properties of a Fireside from letter. Other offices print their drafts straight from Word and wait to upload the final approved draft to Fireside after it has been approved.
Collaborate with Experts
Don’t forget to work with the respective LA or LC on the topic you’ve been assigned to write about; that person is the best resource for discovering your boss’ views on certain issues. Pro tip: ask for a one pager on the issue – the language in these can save you from reinventing the wheel.
If you have interns that require assistance using Fireside21, please don’t hesitate to request additional training once you’ve shared these helpful blogs with them, by emailing help@fireside21.com.