Delegation Resource Manual: Month by Month Implementation Guide
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51
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Activity (Taking a Stand): Corresponding with Elected Officials
University of Virginia Center for Politics
Purpose: The student will develop the skills needed for informed participation in public affairs by
communicating with public officials.
Objectives:
1)
Students will be able to identify effective persuasive writing techniques.
2)
Students will be able to research and format a persuasive letter to a legislator of their own
choosing.
Key Words:
Congressional committee
constituent
correspondence
Materials Provided:
1)
Readings:
a)
“No School Uniforms!”
b)
“School Uniforms Can Help Parents and Teachers”
2)
Handouts:
a)
Guide to Writing a Congressional Leader
b)
Sample Congressional Letter – traditional mail
Procedure:
1)
Warm Up Activity: Distribute copies of the readings “No School Uniforms!” and “School
Uniforms Can Help Parents and Teachers”. Students may work individually or in small groups to
answer the discussion questions at the end of the reading. Ask students to share their
responses with the class.
2)
Review the Guide to Writing a Congressional Leader. This guide helps students identify the
issues and research they will address in their letters.
3)
Prior to writing their letters, students may also review the Sample Congressional Letter for a
clear example of how to format a formal letter. Review the warm up activity with students.
Have they clearly identified themselves, their argument, and supporting facts?
