Advocacy and Policy

Sample Letter

Effective letters:

  • Include your name and address, so your members of Congress know that you are a constituent
  • Ask for a specific action
  • Support your request with specific reasons

We’ve included a sample letter below, but we encourage you to write in your own words and provide an example of a positive after-school program in your community.

Sen. [Senator]
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510



Date

Dear Sen. [Stabenow or Levin],
Please support and protect federal funding for afterschool and summer learning programs when debating and voting on budget proposals for next fiscal year.

21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) afterschool and summer programs keep young people safe, improve student outcomes and help working families. Over a million children are provided quality learning opportunities through this initiative, and a cut to the program would result in children going without these needed services.

Quality afterschool and summer learning programs are marked by true partnerships between community based organizations and schools; and enriching, hands-on activities. They engage students in learning by making lessons come alive for students. And they leverage existing funds and support within the community. Please ensure these strong partnerships continue to be supported through the 21st CCLC initiative.

Thank you for supporting quality afterschool and summer learning program opportunities for all children.

Sincerely,
[name]
[program/affiliation]
[address]