I helped change a law in Italy despite not having a lot of money or "knowing anyone". Myself and others worked on it on and off for about two years before getting a foot in the right door.
http://www.governo.it/Notizie/Presidenza/dettaglio.asp?d=690...
We're not really satisfied with the new law, but it is a small step in the right direction, and we continue to work to improve things:
http://srlfacile.org/
It's kind of a minor issue, and low hanging fruit, but still, I'm proud of it.
You are right on about writing letters. Go ahead and do it, but know that it's not enough.
Look at the civil rights movement in the US. I'm glad they didn't just decide that, having written a letter or two, and not having seen any change, that it was impossible and to give up.
