Semester One Project | English 11 | Hogue

 

Writing Letters that Matter

Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the roar of its many waters. -- Frederick Douglass

Citizens in a democracy must make their voices heard.

 

Rationale | Directions | Resources | Assessment | State LA Standards

 

Rationale

 

Writing letters to legislators gives students an authentic writing experience. Not simply done as a writing exercise, these letters expressing students' concerns will actually be mailed. Students are learning the procedure for corresponding with legislators that they can use again and again in their lives as U.S. citizens.

 

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Directions

 

With your partner(s) choose an issue that has meaning for you, research it thoroughly, document your research, and write a well reasoned letter to a state or national representative requesting some action.

 

There may be no more than three students per group. NO EXCEPTIONS. Find group members based on common interest in an issue rather than on personal social needs.

 

Use the checklist to help keep you on task and manage your time (optional but helpful).

 

Structure of letter

 

Model letter

 

Consult the pdf file from the Close Up organization, pages 4 (structuring a letter) and 5 (on writing persuasively). Also, the information from Congress.org is given below. This will be given to you as a paper handout.

 

Tips On Writing Congress from Congress.org

 The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:
  1. Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____.
  2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
  3. Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.

Addressing Correspondence:

To a Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To a Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:

Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:
Dear Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker:

 

Suggested issues

You are not limited to a choice from this list. Many representatives have position statements, voting records, or lists of issues on their websites. You can also consult magazines and newspapers for important legislative issues.

  • civil rights/civil liberties

  • health care

  • war in Iraq

  • immigration/DREAM Act (S. 774)

  • education: student aid, NCLB, or other legislation affecting schools

  • energy/dependence on foreign oil/alternative fuels/renewable resources

  • economy: deficit/value of dollar

  • environmental issues: climate change/protecting forests/other preserves/water conservation/other

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Resources

 

State Representatives

Senate District 9, Senator Joe Leibham

Assembly District 27, Representative Steve Kestell

Governor Jim Doyle

Wisconsin State Legislature

 

National

US Congressional District 6: Tom Petri

State Senator Russ Feingold (D)

State Senator Herb Kohl (D)

President George W. Bush

 

Websites:

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Assessment

 

The project will be assessed in the following areas:

Please turn in your group's rubric and attached documents. To your rubric attach your group’s research document and letter (in addressed, unsealed envelope). Each person’s individual evaluation and reflection should be handed in separately.

 

Quality

 

completeness seriousness accuracy
  • Letters must be based on factual research
  • Letters must state the problem/issue and the writers' hope for action
  • Letters must be signed (in ink) and mailed.
    • Turn in final signed letter and addressed envelope to me and I will mail your letter.
  • The tone of the letter is respectful, open, and serious.
  • The quality of the effort represents students' seriousness of purpose.
  • Letter was sent to a representative who might actually be able to take action (National issues? Choose a national representative).
  • Letters follow a standard format for letters to legislators, including a respectful salutation.
  • No errors in grammar or mechanics are acceptable

 

Making it public

Groups will present their projects to the class using the following the format:

  1. What issue did you choose and why? Be specific about why. (Not, "cause it's important.")

  2. Talk briefly about the facts of your issue. What did you learn from your research?

  3. Who did you write to and why did you choose him?

  4. What was your main objective/purpose in writing your letter?

  5. What did you do, specifically to achieve that purpose?

  6. Read your letter, carefully, precisely, and seriously.

  7. Ask for questions from the class and respond to them.

Each group member should share equally in the presentation. Your seriousness of purpose matters. Treat your presentation and your audience respectfully.

 

Individual Evaluation

In addition, each group member will complete a project evaluation (done individually and handed in separately). You will be evaluating your individual commitment and responsibility to the group as well as the work of your partner(s).  This part also includes your personal reflection.

 

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Wisconsin Model English Language Arts Standards

  • A.12.4 Students will read to acquire information.
  • B.12.1 Create or produce writing to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
  • B.12.2 Plan, revise, edit, and publish clear and effective writing.
  • C.12.1 Prepare and deliver formal oral presentations appropriate to specific purposes and audiences.
  • E.12.1 Use computers to acquire, organize, analyze, and communicate information.
  • F.12.1 Conduct research and inquiry on self-selected or assigned topics, issues, or problems and use an appropriate form to communicate their findings.

 

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