The Active Citizen
Enrichment
Select one local issue or one thing you would like to change in your community. Then write a letter
expressing your views. Send your letter to a local newspaper, to your representatives in the Florida State
Legislature, or to your member of Congress:
► First, think about the issue you would like to address. You might want to conduct some research to
get details about the problem or situation you would like to change.
▸ Then think about the changes you would like to introduce. What evidence do you have that these
changes would work? Can you explain why your ideas might help to solve the problem? Has your
approach been used successfully elsewhere? Do you have the names of any experts who support
your ideas? In writing your letter, be sure to introduce who you are, to describe the problem, to
explain your solution, to provide evidence to support your ideas, and to conclude by showing how
your solution will solve the problem. Then thank your reader.
▸ Next search the Internet to see what local newspapers might be interested in printing your letter.
Search the Internet to find the names of local newspapers, or ask your school librarian.
▸ Then find the name of your representatives in the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida
Senate, and Congress. Send each of them your letter.