Contributed by Asher Leventhal | The Adelson School, NV
Are you ready to champion the value of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in your state and beyond? Advocating for CTE benefits future students and helps ensure that programs like DECA can continue to shape tomorrow’s industry leaders.
Below is a step-by-step guide and a sample template to help you create a persuasive CTE advocacy letter.
Gather the Essentials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the correct information on hand:
- Your personal contact information: full name, address, phone number, and email.
- Your lawmaker’s information: their correct title, full name, and office address. Double-check details on their official website or by calling their office.
- Your DECA story: reflect on why you joined DECA, a personal anecdote, and how CTE and DECA have impacted your life.
Follow a Clear Structure
Use the following general outline to keep your letter organized and professional:
1. Header
- Your name and contact information
- Date
- Lawmaker’s name and office address.
2. Opening Greeting
- A polite opening (e.g., “Dear Senator/Representative [Last Name]”).
3. Introduction to DECA and CTE
- Briefly state who you are and why you’re writing.
- Mention that you’re a proud member of DECA (a CTSO) supporting CTE initiatives.
- If applicable, reference “February as CTE Month” to highlight the timeliness of your request.
4. Your Personal DECA Journey
- Share when and why you joined DECA.
- Highlight specific skills gained (e.g., marketing, finance, hospitality, management).
- Mention the leadership or networking opportunities DECA provided.
5. Personal Anecdote
- Provide a brief story about a meaningful DECA experience (e.g., a conference, competition, or leadership role).
- Illustrate how this experience improved your skills and outlook.
6. Value of CTE and DECA
- Explain why CTE and DECA matter for workforce development.
- Highlight how these programs prepare students for high-demand careers and help them develop professional skills.
7. Request for Support
- Politely request increased funding and support for CTE programs.
- Mention specific policies or partnerships you’d like to see to expand and strengthen CTE.
8. Closing
- Thank the lawmaker for their time.
- Express your willingness to discuss your experiences further.
- End with a formal sign-off and your name (and title if applicable).
Personalize the Letter
Make the letter unique to your experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Target your lawmaker’s interests: If they have supported education or workforce development in the past, reference that.
- Mention local initiatives: If your community has specific CTE programs or successes, highlight them.
- Keep it concise: Lawmakers receive many letters. Your letter should be succinct yet powerful.
Review and Refine
- Check for spelling and grammar errors before sending.
- Maintain a respectful tone throughout. Even if you’re passionate, staying constructive and polite will make your message more persuasive.
- Proofread thoroughly—consider asking a peer, advisor, or teacher to review your letter.
Sample CTE Advocacy Letter
Below is a sample template you can customize. Replace the bracketed sections with your own details:
Send It Out
- Mail or Email? Many lawmakers now accept emails and online submissions, but a physical letter can make a strong impression. Check your lawmaker’s website for their preferred method of communication.
- Follow-up: If you don’t receive a reply after a few weeks, consider calling or sending a polite follow-up email.
Congratulations! You now have the tools to craft a compelling CTE advocacy letter. By leveraging your personal experiences and highlighting how DECA and CTE have prepared you for success, you can inspire legislative support and help pave the way for future students to benefit from these transformative programs. Good luck and thank you for being a #CTEChampion!
