Afterschool Alliance

Note: The following letter outlines how a program provider could write a letter, and offers examples of different points your letter can convey. Feel free to cut, paste and modify the text as it fits for your message.

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. Also, if applicable, be sure to include if you are a 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) and how important it is for your policy maker to do all they can to ensure it gets funded at its full authorized level.

The address on the outside of your envelope should read "The Honorable [first name] [last name].

[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 p.m. 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.

[Or if you are a 21st CCLC program]

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 support for afterschool programs is greatly appreciated.

[Or if you are a 21st CCLC program]

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]
[Street Address]

Sample Letter from 21st CCLC or Other Programs