As a class, brainstorm a list of social issues that students feel need attention. Lead students to discover their role in public advocacy.

• Tell students that they will be writing letters either to the editor of a local newspaper or to lawmakers, advocating change regarding an issue that they care about.
• Identify how they can find out the web address or office location of their state, local, federal elected Representatives or Senators.
• Review persuasive writing techniques, using Writer's INC or another resource.
• Give students time to research their issue in the library, making sure that they pay close attention to opposing view points, and that they get information from a variety of sources. (Make note that while a bibliography is not necessary, if they use specific information from a source, they must cite it within the letter.) As they research the issue, students should begin thinking about the most effective person to whom the letter could be sent.
• Once students have decided where their letters are going, they should get addresses. Look in the “Letters to the Editor” section of the newspaper for the protocol for sending those, and names and addresses of lawmakers can be found on-line. (Look up State Assembly, State Senate, US Senate, House of Representatives, etc.)
• Review business letter style, and have students write their letters, going through all stages of the writing process. This is especially important since the letters will be used for a purpose.

• Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
  Students should be encouraged to involve other adults in this assignment, researching with them at home or having others help revise and edit their letters.