Writing for Change

Recently my local community college decided it would host a “Queer Prom” and drag show. As far as I know, the college has never sponsored a prom for any other group but, apparently, they thought this would be a great idea. As word spread, dozens of people volunteered to write letters but didn’t know to whom. Also many were uncertain about how to write an effective letter.

It occurred to me that a “how to” blogpost would be appropriate. While I worked on the post, a friend of mine wrote the first letter and allowed me to use it here. The steps I mention don’t have to be in a certain order, but all should be included.

Be Personal

Because writing to an elected official or similar letter can be difficult, organizations will sometimes send form letters for you to sign and send. Those are largely ignored. However, unique, personalized letters are often read and acted upon. So, if a group you support sends a letter to sign, use it as a template and write your own letter. You may even get a reply.

Write to the right person

It may take some research but there is always a person or persons in charge. In this case, my friend wrote to Mr. Stanley, the board chairman for the trustees of the college. You can also write a letter to the editor. These are not as effective in changing events but they are good for spreading a message.

Introduce yourself

Tell a little about yourself and how that relates to your issue. In my friend’s letter, she performs this introduction when she states, “As an alumnus of Centralia College and a taxpayer in the state of Washington….” I prefer to do this in the first paragraph but, that is just me.

Share your concern

Explain your issue in clear and concise language. My friend does this with her opening sentence, “I was frustrated when it was recently brought to my attention that Centralia College is holding a ‘Gay Prom’ on April 29 which will allow children 16 years and older to attend.” This is strong.

Also, if you have two unrelated issues, for example, a gay prom and high tuition fees write two letters and send them separately.

Ask for Action 

Don’t make demands but do ask for action. This should also be done in clear and concise language. My friend ends her letter with this ask, “Please consider the views of the majority and the people paying for these college facilities rather than a few who loudly voice their demands and force the culture, in general, to bow to their values and morals.” Her statement is wordier than I like. In my letter, I simply said, “I encourage you to cancel this event.”

Keep it Short

Letters and emails should be short. Stay on one topic and be pithy. The letter below is less than 300 words.

Conclude your letter

Be friendly. Ending your letter with “thank you” and “sincerely” is always a good approach.

Below is my friend’s letter on the subject.

Dear Mr. Stanley, 

I was frustrated when it was recently brought to my attention that Centralia College is holding a “Gay Prom” on April 29 which will allow children 16 years and older to attend.  The college has hired a company to provide music and a “drag show” for entertainment.  To gather further information, I spoke to Janet Raeume and Shelley Bannish who oversees Student Activities.  Ms. Bannish indicated that the college is not being reimbursed for the use of the building or the supervisory staff that will oversee the event.  I asked if other schools or groups have held “proms” at the college facility and was told no.  The JEDI Council (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) requested this event in addition to the Lewis County Dignity Guild, however I notice that the college logo is also on the advertising materials.  

As an alumnus of Centralia College and a taxpayer in the state of Washington, I want to register my disapproval of the promotion of events such as this.  Such events announce to youth and students that this is normal, sanctioned behavior and there are a great many of us who do not believe this aberrant behavior is healthy for these individuals, our institutions, families and culture as a whole.  Please consider the views of the majority and the people paying for these college facilities rather than a few who loudly voice their demands and force the culture in general to bow to their values and morals. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Have you written to an elected official or some other person in charge? Did they act on your letter? Did you receive a reply? Let us know in the comment section below.