Вы находитесь на странице: 1из 2

Write a letter to the school board

asking for more arts programs


Arts programs are usually the
first thing to be eliminated when
schools are making budget cuts.
3 Check out these tips.

Does that bum you out? Write * Decide if you want to


a letter to the school board! type or write the letter by
Yes, we said it. You’ve probably hand. Don’t underestimate
heard a bazillion times from the power of a handwritten
teachers and just about anyone letter; it will stand out from
who hears you complain about the piles of faxes and e-mails
something in your community: school board members receive
“Why don’t you write a letter?” daily.
Well, now we are saying it too: * Keep it short and to the
write a letter! People will listen. point.
* Be polite; don’t be too
1 Get names. The school board
makes the budget decisions for
your school district. Ask the school
aggressive.

secretary for the address and the


names of all the board members.
Member Names:
4 Make your case. Facts carry a
lot more weight than reasons
like “because it’s important.” So, get
some facts together about the value
of arts education. For example:

School Board Address:

2 Address it. Write a letter to each


board member individually.
Address them as “Ms.” and “Mr.”
If you’re not sure whether the
person is a man or woman, address
the letter “Dear School Board Mem-
ber [full name].”
114

03A_Do Something_6th_patche2sJB.indd 114 6/21/10 1:31 PM


Fact 1: Musical training has been
found to improve how the brain
processes the spoken word. This
6 Wrap it up. Thank them for their
time and consideration and sign
your name.
finding could help the reading
ability of children with dyslexia
or other reading problems.

Fact 2: Students in the arts are


7 Be yourself. You should follow
the basic rules of a formal letter,
but make sure the letter sounds like
found to be more cooperative you. The more honest and passion-
with teachers and peers, more ate you sound the more effective
self-confident, and better able to your message will be.
express their ideas.
notes:

Fact 3: Children who study music


and the arts have higher grades,
score better on standardized tests,
have better attendance records,
and are more active in community
affairs than other students.

Check out DoSomething.org/book or


VH1SaveTheMusic.com for more facts.

5 Be specific. The school board


deals with a lot of problems ev-
ery day, but if members see that you
have a particular problem or issue in
mind, then it’ll be easier for them to
take action to resolve it. For example:

cause the arts


“I’m writing be
ing cut in my
programs are be
king that you
school. I am as
the decision to
please reverse
asses.”
cut our music cl

115

03A_Do Something_6th_patche2sJB.indd 115 6/21/10 1:31 PM

Вам также может понравиться