Letter Writing Campaign

Dear Families,

As Governor Deval Patrick looks at what to include and how to balance the Fiscal Year 2010 Massachusetts state budget, it is critical that he knows how important the Massachusetts Family Network is and how MFN impacts and benefits families. It is up to us to show the Governor, through our letters, our emails, and our faxes, what the Massachusetts Family Network is and what the Family Network does.

Below you will find a suggested letter format. When you are writing, please be sure to include the following: a) Your name and address, b) the ages of all of your children, c) our FN name: Assabet Valley Area FN, d) the line item from the governor's budget (Massachusetts Family Network Programs - line 3000-7050 Family Support and Engagement), and e) your own personal story.

Once you have composed your letter, please send them to us at the FN by the end of this week/early next week. While we plan to have letters for: a) Governor Deval Patrick, b) your local State Representatives, and c) each member of the Early Education and Care Board of Directors, if you wish it is acceptable to simply address them: To Whom It May Concern.

Suggested letter format:

DATE

Parent Name
Parent Address
Parent City, State, Zip

Dear Governor, State Rep, Senator, Board of Directors, (To Whom It May Concern,)

My name is _____________________, I live in ____________________, and I have ____ children. For ____ years/months I have been taking part in the free programs offered by my local Family Network program, the ________________________. This program is very important to me, my small children, and my entire family.

In this time of economic uncertainty, families need a place where they can stay connected to each other and their children. Families need a place where they can talk about resources and parenting, because with all of life stressors, the job of parenting gets more challenging, and families need all the support they can get.

>Please provide one concrete example of your relationship with your Family Network, and how your Family Network has impacted your family. FOR EXAMPLE: After my baby was born, it was the _____________ Family Network that… OR
The FN is a great place to connect with families since I was new to the area…… OR
The FN helped me and my family out by providing us with ….OR
The parenting classes provide me with……OR

Please feel free to tell "your story" Everyone’s unique, personal stories are what makes this program so powerful, and these are the kinds of stories our legislators need to hear.< End the letter with the following statement:
It is imperative that the Massachusetts Family Network Programs - line 3000-7050 Family Support and Engagement - are secure in next year’s FY 2010 budget.

Sincerely,

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Many thanks everyone, for your efforts and support of this campaign!