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SLO7, ARTIFACT 1:
Advocacy Letters Link: Advocacy Letters In 2017, I wrote two letters in support of funding for cultural institutions: one to protest proposed federal cuts to library funding and another in support of increased operating funds for a local history museum. These letters illustrate my persuasive writing skills and my passion for cultural institutions. The library funding request letter, which I wrote in response to an email appeal from UNCG professor and library advocate Dr. Anthony Chow, was my first experience writing to government officials about library funding. By reading Dr. Chow’s email correspondence on the matter, I learned that the letters had to be not only well written but also well timed to make the maximum impact. The museum letter, which I wrote at the request of the museum’s then-director, was included in a presentation that the museum staff made to the Durham (North Carolina) City Council when requesting a budget increase. In both of these letters, I referenced my personal experiences with cultural institutions and the practical economic benefits that such institutions bring to the communities they serve. Both the library and museum funding campaigns were successful, and it inspired me to know that I had played a small role in that outcome. My future work with marginalized and underserved communities will require advocacy in many realms. These letters will serve as examples that I can use and share with other community advocates. They also remind me of what people can accomplish when working together in support of a common cause. |