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Note: The following letter outlines how
you could write a letter, and offers examples of different
points your letter can convey. The [xx] areas
indicate the critical components of your letter. Use
them as a guideline for inserting your own thoughts
and words, but be sure not to include them in your final
version. [This is also available in a Word
version.]
[Your Address…VERY important]
[DATE]
The Honorable Ruth Smith
500 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Smith:
[1st paragraph states the reason for the letter and
who you are]
I am writing to inform you of how important the 21st
Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) afterschool
program is in our community, and to ask you to do everything
in your power to ensure that the program receives full
funding. I work with [program name], an afterschool
program funded by a 21st CCLC grant, and know firsthand
how it improves children's grades, keeps kids safe,
benefits working families, and has a positive effect
on the entire community.
[2nd paragraph gives reasons for your position and includes
a personal needs account]
Our program helps several hundred working parents in
our school district who otherwise would not have access
to an extended learning program to enrich their children's
lives during the hours after school. In addition, our
program provides our community's citizens with a proven
history of success - a history that features improved
student test scores, improved school attendance and
more focused students. Successful afterschool programs
like ours offer an academic environment that is critical
in the 3 to 6 p.m. time period before most working parents
can get home.
[3rd paragraph should summarize your message]
Our 21st CCLC program provides an environment where
extended academic learning is the norm. Students in
our afterschool program achieve better in math, reading
and other subjects; have fewer behavioral problems;
and have better attendance records. Please act to save
the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program
from spending cuts and fund it at its full authorized
level. We cannot balance the budget at the expense of
our nation's youth.
Your continued support of the 21st CCLC program is appreciated.
[Always thank a public official]
Thank you for your public service.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[phone number]
[e-mail address]
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