TAKE ACTION
Write a Letter to the Editor
HELP MAKE OUTDOOR EDUCATION A COMMUNITY ISSUE
A Letter in Your Local Paper Reaches the People Making the Decision
A letter to your local newspaper is an easy and effective way to raise awareness and show policymakers that people in their communities care about outdoor education.
Legislators and their staff read the papers in their own districts. A published letter tells them that support for outdoor school is not coming from an advocacy organization in Olympia, rather it is coming from a parent, teacher, or neighbor in the district they represent. It is also public and permanent, so it keeps working long after you send it.
You do not need to be an expert or a writer. The most effective letters are short, specific, and clearly from someone local.
SAMPLE LETTER
Washington students deserve opportunities to learn beyond the walls of a classroom.
Outdoor school gives students hands-on opportunities to learn about science and the natural world while building confidence, independence, teamwork, and stronger relationships with their classmates.
Unfortunately, Washington eliminated state funding that helped schools provide these experiences. Without that support, more of the cost will fall on schools and families, and some students may lose the opportunity to participate altogether.
Access to outdoor education shouldn't depend on a family's income or where a student happens to live.
Washington has spent years building a strong outdoor education network. State leaders should protect that investment and restore sustainable funding so future generations of Washington students have the same opportunity.