With some apparent IMPORTANT decisions coming this week in our state legislature, I think everyone should make a commitment to send at least one letter to the General Assembly this week. It doesn't have to be long or fancy or full of research. In fact, after talking to the state senator last week, I think it's best if your letters are not long or fancy. When he and I met for breakfast, we talked a lot about the letters he receives. Here's some advice, straight from the horse's mouth:
1. Make your letters short. They get so many letters each day, so you need to make your points clearly and concisely and not in too many sentences.
2. Don't send mass emails to every member of the General Assembly. Make your letters personal by addressing them to one person.
3. Absolutely send a letter to the senator or representative who represents your district. Mr. Senator told me that he always responds to letters from his constituents. I think he may share that opinion with some others; I got a response from my district rep, and my sister got one from hers.
4. Don't be afraid to write a hand-written note. Mr. Senator told me that if he receives a hand-written note, he sends a hand-written note back. Likewise, if he receives a general letter that was sent by a teacher to all the members of the Senate, he will respond with a letter that he sends to all teachers. Basically, what you give is what you get.
If you are still not convinced that you want to take time to write and send a letter, read this article. This might convince you how important it is for the public to SPEAK UP! The time is now because decisions are about to be made. Let's all say we at least tried.
http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2013/07/15/what-will-this-week-bring-for-public-education-in-north-carolina/
1. Make your letters short. They get so many letters each day, so you need to make your points clearly and concisely and not in too many sentences.
2. Don't send mass emails to every member of the General Assembly. Make your letters personal by addressing them to one person.
3. Absolutely send a letter to the senator or representative who represents your district. Mr. Senator told me that he always responds to letters from his constituents. I think he may share that opinion with some others; I got a response from my district rep, and my sister got one from hers.
4. Don't be afraid to write a hand-written note. Mr. Senator told me that if he receives a hand-written note, he sends a hand-written note back. Likewise, if he receives a general letter that was sent by a teacher to all the members of the Senate, he will respond with a letter that he sends to all teachers. Basically, what you give is what you get.
If you are still not convinced that you want to take time to write and send a letter, read this article. This might convince you how important it is for the public to SPEAK UP! The time is now because decisions are about to be made. Let's all say we at least tried.
http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2013/07/15/what-will-this-week-bring-for-public-education-in-north-carolina/