Advocacy Letter

DIRECTIONS

1. You must find a relevant person or group who is invested in this issue and their contact information.
2. You must determine a focused premise for your letter – that is, determine how you will use your claim to write an advocacy letter in response to this issue. Advocacy involves the implementation of RHETORIC (ethos, pathos, and logos) – so use your newly learned skills to your advantage!

In choosing an interested party and topic, you may want to consult the following resources:

Newsweek Magazine http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032542/site/newsweek/

Time Magazine http://www.time.com/time/

Newspapers
http://www.dailyherald.com/
http://www.chicagotribune.com/
http://www.nytimes.com/

The website for Amnesty International, a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights, is an excellent source of information about contemporary violations of human rights. Please access the following website to aid our efforts of recognizing worthy causes. http://www.amnesty.org/campaign/

The website for the One Campaign, a worldwide movement to raise awareness for the AIDS crisis and global poverty. www.one.org

REQUIREMENTS:

* The letter must have a relevant invested group with contact information.
* The letter must follow the format we review in class.
* The letter must use ethical, logical, and pathetic appeal.


RECOMMENDED FORMAT:

1st Paragraph:

* Give some background information about the situation.
* Establish your credibility.
* State what you want the person to do for you.

2nd Paragraph:

* Explain the most compelling reasons for action.
* State the most important facts that support your cause.

3rd Paragraph:

* Talk about how the reader can make a personal difference.
* This paragraph should not just be facts, and should engage the reader in a personal way.
* You can refer to your request again here.

4th Paragraph:

* Thank the reader for considering your request.
* Provide information on how you may be reached for a response.

The following are sources to consult for advice and examples detailing effective letter writing:

http://www.readingrecovery.org/sections/home/letters.asp
http://depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/writing/letter/advocacy.html

COMPLETED DRAFT DUE THURSDAY, MARCH 22nd

FINAL DRAFT DUE TUESDAY, APRIL 3rd

Week of March 12th: Daily Class Schedule

MONDAY

1. Develop qualities for effective collaboration
2. Meet with group to develop claim and sub-claims
3. Self-assign homework

TUESDAY

1. Discuss "Advocacy Letter" assignment
a. Proposal due Thursday
2. Meet with group
3. Self-assign homework

WEDNESDAY

1. Meet with group
2. Self-assign homework


THURSDAY

1. Proposal Due
2. Lab time
1st, 3rd hour: Computer Lab
5th hour: East wing


FRIDAY

1. Proposals Returned
2. Lab time
1st, 3rd hour: Computer Lab
5th hour: Literacy center
3. Essay due at end of period

Homework: Friday, March 9th

For Monday, please generate two claims that could work for your final essay on the following question:

How can modern day societies avoid a situation like the one in which Elie Wiesel and his family found themselves?

Be prepared to share your claims and support in class on Monday.

Have a great weekend! Be good! Be safe!

Homework: Thursday, March 8th

For tomorrow, please complete your rhetorical reflection of "The Oath to Adolf Hitler".

Determine your answer to the following question:

To what extent is "The Oath" rhetorically effective?

Then, support your claim with one thorough and thoughtful paragraph.

This paragraph should include support (evidence), logic (sound rationale), and focus (an analysis of a specific element of rhetoric) in the way you have been taught to compose efffective arguments.