why? what to talk about? how to make a letter
who to send to? share your letter
Why Write a Letter?
Your voice makes change
In North Dakota, community voices are especially important because our state thrives when everyone is heard. Writing a letter is a meaningful way to connect with local and state leaders who work hard to represent you and your neighbors.
When you write a letter, you…..
• Make your voice heard across North Dakota:
Personal stories help leaders understand the real experiences of youth in our towns and schools
•Show real stories, not just numbers:
Politicians hear statistics all day. Your letter turns an issue into a face and a name
•Get closer to real change :
Campaigns and laws have shifted because of just a handful of personal letters from community members.
Even in massive efforts, handwritten letters can move tough systems. In the 2020 U.S. general election, over 17.6 million handwritten letters were sent by volunteers across 21 states, leading to an estimated 126,000 additional votes a nearly 0.8 percentage point increase in turnout. In tight races, that’s often a margin-marker.
Your letter might be the next step toward change in North Dakota. Every word counts!!
How to Choose Your Topic?
Start with what matters to you. Think about your daily life—school, family, friends, your community—and ask:• What issues affect me or my friends?
• What could be better at my school, neighborhood, or town?
• Is there a rule or law I wish was different?
• What do I want adults in charge to understand about my experience
Topic Brainstorm Prompts:• School safety and bullying prevention
• Access to mental health resources for youth
• Quality of education and learning opportunities
• Internet access and technology in rural areas
• Environmental concerns in North Dakota
• Support for youth job programs or apprenticeships
• Voting rights and civic education for teens
• Public transportation and road safety
• Affordable housing or homelessness
• Substance abuse prevention and suppor
Bonus Tips for Picking Your Topic
• Choose something you can explain in a few sentences.
• Make it personal! share your experience or a story.
• Be specific about what you want to change or improve!!!(Alll of these are important!)
How to Structure Your Letter (Template)?
Format:
1. Date & Address of recipient
2. Greeting — “Dear Senator [Last Name]”
3. Introduction — State who you are (1–2 sentences)
4. Body — Explain your concern and why it matters (1–2 short paragraphs)
5. Call to Action — What you want them to do
6. Thank You & Signature
Examples:
Who to send to?
The most important part of writing your letter is sending it to the person who can actually help with your issue. Depending on what you want to talk about, your letter might go to different people ASK YOURSELF……
Is It a School or Local Issue?If your letter is about something happening at your school or in your town like school policies, bullying or local community programsSend to your principal, school board member, or city council. These folks handle things like school rules and local services
Is It a State Issue?
Send to your state senator or state representative from your district. North Dakota has 47 districts, each with 1 senator and 2 reps who decide on state laws and budgets
Is It a Federal Issue?If your letter is about national topics like immigration, federal funding, or national laws send it to:
• Your U.S. House Representative (Julie Fedorchak)
• Your U.S. Senators from North Dakota(John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer)
1607 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
313 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
338 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510