SAMPLE

ASK LETTER FOR BUDGET CONSIDERATION (ANNOTATED) Dear Rep. Taylor, The Keep Kids First Coalition asks you to support at-risk students by renewing the $750,000 allocation to the Results-Based Education Fund in this years budget. As I shared in my meeting with you last month, Results-Based Education (RBE) grants fund after-school programs for 13,000 at-risk students in low-income areas across the state. The programs provide remediation and tutoring on grade-level work, SAT and ACT preparation, and college counseling. Since the legislature created the RBE Fund in 2004, nearly 100,000 students have participated in its after-school programs. We understand that the state is facing tremendous budget difficulties, but fully funding the RBE program continues a cost-effective, proven program. As per your advice, we conducted a survey of students in RBE programs, and found that: 100% of graduating seniors in RBE programs matriculate to college or join the military, compared to 70% of the general population 88% of students in RBE programs scored higher on end-of-course tests 62% of students reported they have changed friend groups to stay out of trouble By renewing RBE funding, you will be taking a stand for our children and providing alternatives to crime, gangs, and drugs. The parents, teachers, and friends of RBE programs many of which are in your district would be happy to know that you will stand up for our states children. Thank you for meeting with us. James Smith, our executive director, will call your office in a week to follow up. If you have any questions before then, please do not hesitate to contact James or me. Sincerely yours, Joseph Beech Board Chair Prepared by Derwin Dubose

Derwin Dubose 8/1/11 11:39 PM Comment: Clear ask in the first paragraph Derwin Dubose 8/1/11 11:40 PM Comment: Reference to past meetings Derwin Dubose 8/1/11 11:40 PM Comment: Explains what the organization does, provides metrics and gives a geographic scope

Derwin Dubose 8/1/11 11:41 PM Comment: Acknowledgement of challenges or political realities Derwin Dubose 8/1/11 11:43 PM Comment: References advice given in prior meetings

Derwin Dubose 8/1/11 11:41 PM Comment: A whats in it for them? statement Derwin Dubose 8/1/11 11:42 PM Comment: Provides a timeline and contact person

Derwin Dubose 8/1/11 11:43 PM Comment: Signed by a surrogates

SAMPLE ASK LETTER FOR BUDGET CONSIDERATION Dear Rep. Taylor, The Keep Kids First Coalition asks you to support at-risk students by renewing the $750,000 allocation to the Results-Based Education Fund in this years budget. As I shared in my meeting with you last month, Results-Based Education (RBE) grants fund after-school programs for 13,000 at-risk students in low-income areas across the state. The programs provide remediation and tutoring on grade-level work, SAT and ACT preparation, and college counseling. Since the legislature created the RBE Fund in 2004, nearly 100,000 students have participated in its after-school programs. We understand that the state is facing tremendous budget difficulties, but fully funding the RBE program continues a cost-effective, proven program. As per your advice, we conducted a survey of students in RBE programs, and found that: 100% of graduating seniors in RBE programs matriculate to college or join the military, compared to 70% of the general population 88% of students in RBE programs scored higher on end-of-course tests 62% of students reported they have changed friend groups to stay out of trouble By renewing RBE funding, you will be taking a stand for our children and providing alternatives to crime, gangs, and drugs. The parents, teachers, and friends of RBE programs many of which are in your district would be happy to know that you will stand up for our states children. Thank you for meeting with us. James Smith, our executive director, will call your office in a week to follow up. If you have any questions before then, please do not hesitate to contact me or James. Sincerely yours, Joseph Beech Board Chair Prepared by Derwin Dubose