📬 Write a Letter to a Leader: Speak Up for the Environment!
Grades: 5th & 6th
Purpose: Did you know that elected officials—like your mayor, governor, or senators—need your help to make decisions? One of the most powerful ways to share your voice is by writing a letter about something you care about. This project is your chance to speak up for the planet!
🌎 Step 1: Choose an Environmental Issue You Care About
Think about your school, neighborhood, city, or state. What’s happening in the environment that needs attention? You can choose something local or even something happening across the country. Need ideas?
🌿 Sample Topics You Can Write About
🐾 Protect Wildlife & Habitats
Ask leaders to protect forests, wetlands, and endangered animals in your area.
🚯 Stop Plastic Pollution
Support laws and programs that reduce plastic waste in oceans and rivers.
♻️ Improve Recycling & Composting
Ask for better recycling and composting options at school and in your town.
🌞 Use Clean Energy
Encourage a switch to solar and wind power instead of fossil fuels.
🌳 Plant More Trees
Trees help clean the air, provide shade, and give animals homes—ask for more in your neighborhood and parks!
🚲 Bike and Bus More
Ask for safe bike lanes and better public transit to cut down on pollution.
⚠️ Ban Harmful Chemicals
Ask leaders to ban dangerous chemicals in farming, yard care, and factories—and support safer options that protect our health and the environment.
🥕 Reduce Food Waste
Ask your school to cut down on cafeteria food waste through smarter use and composting.
📝 Step 2: Write Your Letter
Your letter can include:
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A Greeting: “Dear [Name of Elected Official],”
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An Introduction: Who are you? Where do you go to school?
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The Issue: What environmental problem do you care about?
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Why It Matters: How does this problem affect your community or the planet?
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What You Want Them to Do: Ask them to support a law, start a program, or take action.
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A Thank You and Sign-Off: Be polite and thank them for their time.
Tip: Use your own words and speak from the heart! Your voice matters. Explore the Communicating with Legislators resource here.
🔍 Step 3: Find the Right Person to Send Your Letter To
Use these tools to find the name and contact info of your elected officials:
📬 Step 4: Send Your Letter
Ask your teacher how you will be sending your letters—by mail or email.
✅ Step 5: Complete the SAP Google Form
After you send your letter, don’t forget to fill out the Student Action Project Google Form. to share what you did!