This is a training module for students to learn how to effectively write to Congress.
Through step-by-step instructions and an accompanying video, students will learn how to gather supporting information, tips to best engage with their elected officials, and the importance of public input in creating laws.
Teaching Tips
Positives
It empowers students to engage in the process of petitioning their government to enact change.
Students are able to practice persuasive writing skills.
Additional Prerequisites
Students need to know their zip code to look up their congressional representative.
Differentiation
Students can choose to read or watch the training based on their learning preference.
The resource includes facts on carbon pricing that can be included in letters, but students can also be challenged to do their own research on a climate change topic to write about.
For elementary students, teachers can use this framework to guide students through writing a letter as a class.
These tips can also be used to write letters to state or local representatives. Teachers may need to assist students in finding the correct mailing address information.
Scientist Notes
Resource provides a simplified technique of writing a climate advocacy letter to Congressmen and policymakers to take action. Recommended for teaching.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.10.6-8 Explain the relevance of personal interests and perspectives, civic virtues, and democratic principles when people address issues and problems in government and civil society.
D2.Civ.12.6-8 Assess specific rules and laws (both actual and proposed) as means of addressing public problems.
D2.Civ.12.9-12 Analyze how people use and challenge local, state, national, and international laws to address a variety of public issues.
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.8.6-8 Apply a range of deliberative and democratic procedures to make decisions and take action in their classrooms and schools, and in out-of-school civic contexts.
D4.8.9-12 Apply a range of deliberative and democratic strategies and procedures to make decisions and take action in their classrooms, schools, and out-of-school civic contexts.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Writing (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.