Sample Letter - Mayor

(your address)
(date)

The Honorable (full name)
(City Hall address)

Dear Mayor _________,

I am the parent of a ___ grader at (name of school). I am concerned that s/he is not getting a strong enough education in the arts.

Research studies (Champions of Change, 1999) show that students with high levels of involvement in the arts improve their performance at school in many ways, and that the arts are also a means of reaching students not currently being reached, such as those at risk. The arts help narrow the gap between low socioeconomic status (SES) students who are not highly involved in the arts and their higher SES peers. The arts bring families, communities, and schools together through a common sense of pride.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors resolved in 2001 that a child's education is not complete unless it includes the arts. A comprehensive strategy for a complete education includes high-quality, sequential instruction in the classroom, as well as participation and learning in community-based arts programs. Active participation and learning in the arts improves overall academic achievement, socialization, and preparation for college and the workforce.

Thank you for all that you do for (your town/city's name).  Please support a strong arts education program based on national or state standards and let me know how I can further support this effort.

Sincerely,
(sign and print your name)

(Remember, you can also write to thank a mayor for including the arts in your child's education, or for taking a strong public stand if s/he does not have direct control of the school district.)