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Raise the Stakes |
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Contacting a senator (or representative) is a great way to demonstrate that you care about an issue
like foreign aid and therefore they should care as well. Below is a sample letter to a senator that
you can use to contact your own senators with. If you want to change it or write your own letter
here are some things to keep in mind:
1. State the purpose clearly
2. Say your name and address.
3. If you have any professional experience with the issue say that
4. Be polite but don't "gush"
5. Don't make it too long, a page is good
6. Use examples
7. Never use vulgarity, profanity or threats
8. Thank the member for taking the time to read the letter
like foreign aid and therefore they should care as well. Below is a sample letter to a senator that
you can use to contact your own senators with. If you want to change it or write your own letter
here are some things to keep in mind:
1. State the purpose clearly
2. Say your name and address.
3. If you have any professional experience with the issue say that
4. Be polite but don't "gush"
5. Don't make it too long, a page is good
6. Use examples
7. Never use vulgarity, profanity or threats
8. Thank the member for taking the time to read the letter
Month Day, Year The Honorable (full name) (Room#) (Name) Senate Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator (Last Name): My name is _________________ from ___________________. I am writing to encourage you to support the increase in United States budget for foreign aid. In a recent poll most Americans believed 25% goes to foreign aid when in fact it is less than one percent. This needs to be changed. Foreign aid could make a huge difference in many third world countries. In Mali, where education is now at risk, American dollars could provide stability. Many families there cannot afford the cost of school materials or to have children go to school and not work. Our foreign aid could help pay for teachers, materials, and classrooms. Foreign aid can also reduce child brides in places such as Yemen where the average age for a bride is twelve to thirteen. These early ages result in very high rates of deaths during births: 210 deaths per 100,000 births. Awareness needs to be raised among religious leaders, education needs to be increased, and safe transport needs to be given to school. Another benefit of foreign aid is the reduction of human trafficking. With 2.4 million people enslaved at any moment around the world, the US government should be much more involved in reducing this horrible rate of suffering and exploitation. The United States has been a long time supporter of human rights and needs to continue this role even outside our borders. The fact that foreign aid helps to create stronger more stable governments and economies is an added bonus but the main reason is it’s the United States role. During the Millennium Development Goals, this became a promise that the United States needs to keep. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, (Name) |