When writing a letter of resignation, keep it short, positive, and simply include the date, your mailing address, a brief statement, and your signature. I don’t recommend that you use the letter as a way to air grievances or point fingers.
One famous example is the letter Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, wrote to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), resigning as a member. Never one to put politics over conscience, Eleanor felt she had to resign, despite possible repercussions with her husband’s Southern supporters, when the DAR refused to allow the great African American opera singer Marian Anderson to perform in their Constitution Hall in Washington D.C.
Many people had spoken out against the DAR’s racist actions, but the issue took on national importance when Mrs. Roosevelt resigned. Yet this is what she humbly wrote:
“I am afraid that I have never been a very useful member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, so I know it will make very little difference to you whether I resign, or whether I continue to be a member of your organization.
However, I am in complete disagreement with the attitude taken in refusing Constitution Hall to a great artist. You have set an example which seems to me unfortunate, and I feel obliged to send in to you my resignation. You had an opportunity to lead in an enlightened way and it seems to me that your organization has failed.I realize that many people will not agree with me, but feeling as I do this seems to me the only proper procedure to follow.
Very sincerely yours,”
It wasn’t necessary for Mrs. Roosevelt to give a reason, however under the circumstances she wanted to explain briefly. Details were not necessary, not even mentioning Marian Anderson’s name being an example.
Mrs. Roosevelt wrote very briefly, unassumingly, and humbly, yet with conviction. Well done!
Richard Nixon’s letter of resignation as President of the United States is perhaps the shortest letter of resignation ever written, to the Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger:
Dated August 9th, 1974
“Dear Mr. Secretary,
I hereby resign the office of President of the United States.Sincerely,
Richard Nixon”
Addressed to and later initialed by Henry Kissinger.
That got the job done. A letter of formal resignation for the record, no explanation, no finger-pointing, no grievances, no apologies. Just a dated and signed letter, so there would never be any question as to when the resignation was tendered and absolutely no cause for the letter to ever be construed to have legal implications - libel, admission of guilt, etc.
One more example: excerpts from the resignation letter of Attorney General John Ashcroft to President Bush:
“Dear Mr. President:
Nothing in my life compares to the high honor of serving America as Attorney General in your administration.The cause of justice is indeed a serious calling. Americans have been spared the violence and savagery of terrorist attack on our soil since September 11, 2001.
…Thank you for your leadership which has made these and many other justice-related achievements possible.
The demands of justice are both rewarding and depleting. I take great personal satisfaction in the record which has been developed. The objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved. The rule of law has been strengthened and upheld in the courts. Yet, I believe that the Department of Justice would be well served by new leadership and fresh inspiration. I believe that my energies and talents should be directed toward other challenging horizons.
Therefore, I humbly state my desire to resign from the office of United States Attorney General.
…I am grateful to you for the profound honor of serving under your clear, principled leadership.
May God continue to bless, guide, and direct you and your family as you lead America forward in freedom.
Most Sincerely,
John Ashcroft”
Again there is nothing negative in this letter, no blame, nothing that could implicate Mr. Ashcroft in any wrong doing, and nothing but recognition of his own and President Bush’s [his boss's] positive attributes and accomplishments.
The text I’ve underlined is what I think is the most effective part of the letter. This is where Mr. Ashcroft states his reasons for resigning in a most positive light for both himself, his “boss”, and his country.
Through using these three examples, I’ve shown you how you can graciously, succinctly and honorably offer a letter of resignation, whether it be from a job or a membership position. From these examples you can find instruction and inspiration for any letter of resignation.
Kathryn is a freelance writer and also webmaster and content writer of numerous niche websites. More resignation writing tips and links to all of her “how-to-write” articles are available at http://www.kathrynbeachonline.com
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