For your final I would like you all to write a $1-2$ page letter to an elected official. You will draw on what you learned about social problems this semester and pick one problem that you are concerned about and would like to see changed.

Here are a few tips for writing your letter, but feel free to visit the resources below for additional tips as well as a sample template and sample letter:

Identify Yourself

Identify and Address the Issue

Explain What You Would Like the Elected Official to Do

Don$$t ramble $$ keep your message succinct.

Include the Facts

Personalize Your Letter

Address the Elected Official

Ask for a Response

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Sample Letter Template:

Here is a generic advocacy letter template that you can use for planning your outreach:

Dear $[$LEGISLATOR NAME$],$

My name is $[$YOUR NAME$]$ and I$$m your constituent living at $[$YOUR ADDRESS OR TOWN$].$ I am a $[$PROFESSION$].$

I$$m writing to ask you to $[$DESIRED ACTION$]$ for $[$SOCIAL PROBLEM$].$

$[$ISSUE AREA$]$ has impacted me in a number of ways. $[$SHARE PERSONAL DETAILS $+$ STORIES$].$ If you $[$TAKE DESIRED ACTION$],[$BENEFIT$/$IMPACT ON YOU$].$ If you don$$t $[$TAKE DESIRED ACTION$],[$BENEFIT$/$IMPACT OF INACTION$].$

Along with this specific impact on my life, this will also have an impact on $[$GROUP$/$INDUSTRY$/$ORGANIZATION$]$ at large. Here are a few facts I think are important to consider:

$[$DATAPOINT $1]$

$[$DATAPOINT $2]$

$[$DATAPOINT $3]$

Along with these points, I believe you should $[$TAKE DESIRED ACTION$]$ because $[$X DEMOCRATS$]$ have also taken this action, including $[$Y LEGISLATORS FROM YOUR STATE$].$ As a member of the $[$COMMITTEE NAME$],$ it is important your voice is heard on this issue.

I$$m looking forward to a response from you and your team on your next steps for $[$SOCIAL PROBLEM$].$ If you have any questions about my experience with this issue, I$$d be happy to share more.

Best,

NAME

ADDRESS

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For additional resources on how to write a letter to a reflected official please visit these websites:

Writing Letters to Elected Officials $($Community Toolbox$)$Links to an external site.

How to Write an Advocacy Letter to an Elected Official $($Quorum$)$Links to an external site.

Writing a Letter to an Elected Official $($Great Lakes$)$Links to an external site.