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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, DC 20510
Dear Senator Smith:
[1st paragraph states the reason for the letter and
who you are]
I am writing to let you know what a positive impact
the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC)
program has had in our community. My child participates
in a quality afterschool program here in Anchorage funded
by the 21st CCLC. The program improves the quality of
life for our family and many others.
[2nd paragraph gives reasons for your position and includes
a personal needs account. Here are three different variations.
You only need one paragraph]
Example 1 (This example highlights how afterschool
keeps kids safe):
I am a single mom and live in an area of the city where
crime is a big problem. Before my daughter Jessie's
junior high school started its afterschool program,
Project Promise, I constantly worried about her getting
into trouble or getting hurt. On the days when I worked,
Jessie would be home alone for two hours or over at
friends' houses without any adults around. My biggest
fear was that she would start using drugs, which I knew
some of her classmates had experimented with. Since
she joined Project Promise, I don't have to worry about
her safety because I know she's always supervised by
adults. She's also become more interested in her classes
and is even thinking about going to college to become
a teacher. This afterschool program has been a big help
for me and my daughter.
Example 2 (This example highlights how afterschool
improves grades):
One of the best things about my son Alex's afterschool
program is that it has helped him become a better student.
Alex is a sophomore in high school and has always had
trouble with math. I enrolled him in the new afterschool
program, The Community Connection, because it offered
tutoring in math, science and reading. Alex wasn't very
excited about it at first, because he had tried a tutor
before and it didn't help. But this time was different.
It helped Alex to be around other kids and do a lot
of group problem-solving. Now, Alex has made new friends
and he's doing much better in math. I am thankful that
his school is able to offer this program to kids that
need extra help with their studies.
Example 3 (This example highlights how afterschool
helps working families):
Both my husband and I work. Our 6-year-old son John
has been diagnosed with a learning disability and although
our school has provided some excellent assistance he
needs more. We had used up much of our savings to get
John the special counseling he needs. We were about
to lose hope when the Smith Public Schools and the Hope
Community Foundation started the Bright Lights Afterschool
program. The program offers afterschool activities during
that critical time from 3 to 6 p.m. before we can get
home. John's reading and comprehension skills have improved,
and now my husband and I don't have to worry about supervising
John after school every afternoon. This program makes
a huge difference in our lives.
[3rd paragraph should summarize your message]
I can tell you from personal experience that afterschool
programs help working families raise their children
in a safe and nurturing environment. Without our local
afterschool program, many kids like my son would lose
out on a valuable opportunity to learn and develop new
skills under the supervision of teachers and other qualified
community members. Your continued support of the 21st
CCLC is appreciated.
Thank you for your public service.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[phone number]
[e-mail address]
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