Target-> Sample Advocacy Letters

[CHIHAK JOHN A <chihak.judy@mcleodusa.net>]

I am in the Introduction to the School Library Media Center class at
the University of Northern Iowa and I need some ideas from experienced
librarians. I am part of a group making a presentation Wednesday July
30 about the importance of advocacy. My portion of the presentation
covers how to lobby leglislators using e-mail or snail mail letters.
At 3:00 AM (!) last night I finally figured out how I could involve
the group. I will allow time for them work together to actually write
a letter. I have information to present on the proper form of the
letter, how to get e-mail addresses, etc. but I would like to provide
my classmates with sample letters to get them started. I know that the
letters should be brief, to the point, and state what is wrong as well
as what we'd like to see done about it. However, since I  am new to
librarianship I am uncertain of the current issues that would benefit
by a letter lobby or relevant facts that could be used to justify our
requests for action. I would appreciate hearing from the LM_NETers who
have a issue we could influence with letters to legislators. We can
join your voice in speaking out for school libraries! I am sorry my
inspiration came so close to the due date (yawn). I will incorporate
any respones I get into my presentation. It is my goal to promote
pressing issues of the day but more importantly to encourage
preservice school media specialists to accept a professional
"obligation" of involvement. Thank you!

Judy Chihak
Graduate Sudent in School Library Media Studies
University of Northern Iowa
e-mail to chihak.judy@mcleodusa.net

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