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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 [bold type, bracketed]
areas indicate the critical components of your letter.
Use them as a guideline for inserting your own thoughts
and words. Please be specific about your own program,
including the number of children and adults it serves
and describing positive results the program has had.
The address on the outside of your envelope should read
"The Honorable [first name] [last name]. [This
is also available in a Word
version.]
[Insert your address here…VERY important]
March 8, 2003
The Honorable Ruth Smith
500 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Smith:
[1st paragraph states the reason for your letter
and who you are]
I am writing to inform you what a tremendous difference
our Learning for All Afterschool Program makes in our
community. I work with this school-based program, which
is funded by a federal 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 further explains your message and
includes a personal account]
Our program helps several hundred working parents in
our school district who otherwise would not have access
to an afterschool program to enrich their children's
lives during the hours after school. In addition, the
Learning for All 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 program provides a school-based 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. In addition, our
program offers youth a safe place where they can learn
during the peak hours that juveniles are typically victims
of crime or engage in criminal activity themselves.
One of the best things about the program is the way
it brings together various community members and gets
them actively involved in helping kids learn and grow.
Your support for afterschool programs is greatly appreciated.
[Always thank a public official]
Thank you for your public service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[E-mail Address]
[Street Address]
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