Post-election letters. Send out: Monday Nov. 10th
 

How about we send some congratulation letters with our stories to the winner's office?

55 of us signed up for the calls , I'm sure we can get more people to contribute. 55+ letters sent at the same time, on the same issue are bound to get some attention.

We could work Obama's message of hope and tie that to our personal stories and the Dream Act. It shouldn't be that hard, hope is what dreams are based on after all.

I think we could eventually make these letters a series. This would be our introduction and then we can send letters every month or so telling how what we did in that month has been limited or affected by our migratory status.

Letters will be sent to both his home offices and his D.C. office. You can also do it via fax or email (I think letters and faxes will make more of an impression though).

Do not worry about creating a new letter for each office, feel free to send the same one to each office. If he does not actually read the letters then, at the very least, a staffer will relay the message to him. . . "we got 20 letters in support of the Dream Act today" etc.


SEND OUT DATE: Monday November 10th

FAX/EMAIL DATE: Thursday Nov.13 or Friday Nov.14

We are trying to time this so letters and faxes will be received at the same time.

Here's the contact info:

Washington, D.C. Office:
713 Hart Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510-1305
Phone:(202) 224-2854
Fax: (202) 228-4260

Chicago Office:
230 South Dearborn Street, Suite 3900
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Phone: (312) 886-3506
Fax: (312) 886-3514

Springfield Office:
607 East Adams Street
Springfield, Illinois 62701
Phone: (217) 492-5089
Fax: (217) 492-5099

Marion Office:
701 North Court Street
Marion, Illinois 62959
Phone: (618) 997-2402
Fax: (618) 997-2850

Moline Office:
1911 52nd Avenue
Moline, Illinois 61265
Phone: (309) 736-1217
Fax: (309) 736-1233


Email:
http://obama.senate.gov/contact/

Re: Post-election letters
 

i started a thread about a massive letter writing campaign in the general lounge. no one really paid attention to it...

Re: Post-election letters
 

I sent in faxes to everyone too.

But yes, we will do. Something creative.

Re: Post-election letters
 

This is a great idea. We gotta make Dream a first priority issue for the election. Count on us from UCLA to seek out stories from all over the country as we distribute our book. I think the more the better.

I don't know if we can get to everyone by Nov. 7 though! We are gonna try.

Re: Post-election letters
 

Good idea if this thread gains momentum in our forum count me in.

Re: Post-election letters
 

Count me in too. I have plenty of time to write a letter.

Re: Post-election letters
 

I'll try my best to write a letter, too.
Post mailing informations, though.

And--just throwing this out there:
How sure are we that Barack Obama will pass DREAM after he takes over the White House?
First 100 days? Further down the line durig his first term?

Re: Post-election letters
 

We are not sure when he would pass the Dream Act, that is why it's important to remind him and those in Congress that we are still here and waiting. It's a way to make our issue more visible in a sea of other problems.

Re: Post-election letters
 

what we need to find out is if he plans to pass a major education bill on his 100 days because most likely, senator durbin will try to attach dream to that.

Re: Post-election letters
 

I think it could work if it's a education reform bill rather than a "let's just put some money there and see what happens" education bill.

Anyone else sending letters?

Re: Post-election letters
 

I'm getting started with my letter, any new ideas?

Re: Post-election letters
 

Now that Obama has won..
stretch your fingers and wrists, ladies and gents.
Time to type like the wind.

Re: Post-election letters
 

Should we wait a bit first to see what Obama will do before we send letters? I have a feeling his mail box will be full and ours might just get lost in it.

Let's see if he is going to do any 100 day type of thing and if he is let's send letters urging for DREAM to be in it. If he isn't then I guess we'll send letters reminding him that we are still here.

Re: Post-election letters
 

We can send one now, and more later, we wouldn't really lose much other than a couple of hours of typing at most.

Re: Post-election letters
 

Why are you trying to halt activism? If you're not willing to participate, don't stop people who are...

Re: Post-election letters
 

When sending letters, do you guys use your real names and address? I'd love to send a letter and get a response but i'm worried about it.

Re: Post-election letters
 

Is this the address where we send our letters to?
Chicago Office
John C. Kluczynski Federal Office Building
230 South Dearborn St.
Suite 3900 (39th floor)
Chicago, Illinois 60604

Re: Post-election letters
 

i dont see any problem with using real names and addresses. Obama and his administration is not going to hand over our information to Immigration department. If he did, it would be an outrage.

Send Out This Template Petition Letter
 

To get representatives from your state to vote pro Dream act, you and your friends should send a letter to your Representatives. Here is a Template petition letter, just copy and paste - I highly encourage you to customize this letter to make it more personal:


Dear Member of Congress,

Approximately 2.8 million students will graduate from United States High Schools this year. Some of them will go on to college, join the military, or take another path in life, eventually becoming active members of society, all equally American. However, in this sea of individuals, a group of approximately 60,000 will not have this opportunity, not because they lack motivation, but because of the status passed on to them by their parents. These often highly achieved individuals cannot attend college, enlist in the armed forces, or otherwise live a full life. Children that grew up on American soil, respect the laws of this country, and want nothing more than to be recognized for what they are, Americans, bear an inherited title of an “illegal immigrant”.

I am writing on behalf of these thousands of bright American students who are prevented from pursuing their American Dream of obtaining top-quality education because of lack of legal immigration status. Many of whom present unique talents, are among the best in their schools, perform various forms of community service and graduate with honors. Despite the difficulties associated with lack of legal immigration status they share the love for this Country, hoping that one day, they will receive the chance to become an equal part of Society. Consequently, many of these students have a power to positively influence America’s future if only they will be given a chance. In fact, this chance is in your hands, dear member of Congress. I believe that our Nation should take advantage of their expertise, and that is why I urge you to support the legislation in Congress of the Development Relief for Alien Minors Act, and its related bills (S.774, H.R. 1221, H.R. 1275).

I am a strong proponent of permitting those students to legally continue their education with an option to apply for a legal residency, and allowing them to pay in-state tuition at public colleges in their home states. Once again, I think that students who were brought to this country as children should have a right to realize their American Dream. Most of them already had to overcome many obstacles related to the accommodation in the new country, and education, so now it’s the time for our country to invest in their potential. Dear Member of Congress, let American Dream continue.

Re: Post-election letters
 

Sound like sending them to his Chicago office is the way to go.

Re: Send Out This Template Petition Letter
 

That's a great template, the numbers and stats are especially helpful.

Re: Post-election letters
 

You can do this in just a few paragraphs:

1. Congratulations. Praise his policy proposals (pick one you like) and his very effective campaign.

2. Most importantly, millions of Americans, myself included, have been inspired to action by your campaign. Your ideas and attitude have provided much needed hope ......How his message of hope applies to you ---> Dream Act.

3. Your story + stats provided in the template provided by USAgirl.

4. Ask, ask, ask. Make a plea for him to support the Dream Act. Tie it back to hope if you want.

5. Thank him and sign.

That's it. Not too hard.

Re: Post-election letters
 

lu001, thanks for the great idea of writing to Obama's office!!

Here's my letter:

Dear Senator Obama,

Approximately 2.8 million students will graduate from United States High Schools this year. Some of them will go on to college, join the military, or take another path in life, eventually becoming active members of society, all equally American. However, in this sea of individuals, a group of approximately 60,000 will not have this opportunity, not because they lack motivation, but because of the status passed on to them by their parents.

These often highly achieved individuals cannot attend college, drive cars, enlist in the armed forces, work, or otherwise live a full life. Children that grew up on American soil, respect the laws of this country, and want nothing more than to be recognized for what they are, Americans, bear an inherited title of an “illegal immigrant”.

I am writing on behalf of these thousands of bright American students who are prevented from pursuing their American Dream of obtaining top-quality education because of lack of legal immigration status. Many of whom present unique talents, are among the best in their schools, perform various forms of community service and graduate with honors. Despite the difficulties associated with lack of legal immigration status they share the love for this Country, hoping that one day, they will receive the chance to become an equal part of Society.

My name is ___________ and my parents brought me to this country when I was just 2 years old - I have no memory or recollection of that experience or of ever having lived anywhere else.

I grew up my whole life in Westchester County, New York, where I attended a Private school, lived in a nice house with a backyard, a great neighborhood, was very involved in my studies, sports and activities - I was always very passionate about Theater and Creative Writing, I joined my school's Volleyball Team and was involved in Debate and the Honors program - I grew up thinking I was just a regular All-American Girl. Ironically, I was voted most All-American Girl because of my blond hair, green eyes and my American Sweetheart charm.

I never knew I was different from anyone else - I was always kept in the dark about my unique situation until I turned 16, when I confronted my parents wanting to know why I couldn't get a driver's license like all my friends.

Now, 5 years later, I am 21-years-old and I feel very limited and frustrated by my inability to work or drive a car like my peers. It is very frustrating for me to see all of my friends and peers move forward with their lives and achieve their goals while I feel like I'm staying behind. America is the only country I've ever known and loved, English is my first language, and I have always been passionate about this country's History and Legacy. I AM an American, and regardless of where I may have been born, I consider the United States my homeland. It is very unfair and frustrating to not be able to participate in my own country's Society, not be able to vote, drive a car, or further my education in Medicine, while even many natural-born citizens of this country choose not to take advantage of these Freedoms.

That is why I think that students who were brought to this country as children and are Educated people who want nothing more than to better this country should have a right to realize their American Dream. Consequently, many of these students have a power to positively influence America’s future if only they will be given a chance. In fact, this chance is in your hands, dear member of Congress. I believe that our Nation should take advantage of their expertise, and that is why I urge you to support the legislation in Congress of the Development Relief for Alien Minors Act, and its related bills (S.774, H.R. 1221, H.R. 1275).


That is why, Dear Member of Congress, I beg you to let the American Dream live on.

Sincerely,
_____________



I'm thinking of making some changed based on the points that you gave... :)

as Obama said: it's time for CHANGE!!! :)

Re: Post-election letters
 

That letter is great! Although I think you could condense some things, in my opinion it's better to keep it simple except of course when it comes to our story. I also would call him President elect (That sounds so good) and congratulate him in some way. Ok, back to writing mine.

Re: Post-election letters
 

I was actually going to send the letter fridayish. I was just asking a question... geesh, don't be such a butt about it :p

Re: Post-election letters
 

Also, Guys:

I wanted to let everyone know that

You can use this website to email the current President and your State's leaders about the Dream Act: http://polish-ny.com/dreamact/?page_id=21

They even have the letter already written for you! :) - Although I recommend modifying it to make it more Personal

You can choose to email or print out the letter and mail it yourself, or have it hand-delivered by FedEx!

Get everyone you know to join you in writing your city's Representatives, and inform any Immigration groups you're familiar with about it! :)

You can Email them Every DAY if you want!!!

Everyone can have a big part in this, REMEMBER: there's strength in numbers!!! :)


ALSO, DON'T FORGET:

Please Send out your letters to Obama's office THIS WEEK:

You can mail or Fax him:

Chicago Office
John C. Kluczynski Federal Office Building
230 South Dearborn St.
Suite 3900 (39th floor)
Chicago, Illinois 60604

(312) 886-3506
(312) 886-3514 fax

Re: Post-election letters
 

Hey guys, also here is the Contact page to email Senator Obama:

http://obama.senate.gov/contact/


I recommend also mailing a real letter, and keep bugging them until we get a Response!!! :)

Re: Post-election letters
 

Hey Lu, It'd be great if you posted your finished letter here too - I'd like to see what you have to say! :)

Re: Post-election letters
 

Hey guys, this is also a great website to send your letter through:


http://www.change.gov/page/s/yourvision

Re: Post-election letters
 

Thank you for posting those letters, the facts and tone were very helpful in writing my own letter.

Here's a shortened version of mine. Warning: I dug deep and found the touchy-feely side of me (some parts are a bit too sentimental for my taste, but it might just work). Feel free to borrow whatever words you want but make sure to make it your own.

Dear President Elect Barack Obama:

This past Tuesday November 4th was one of the most exciting evenings in my life. Glued to the television, I watched as each state gave you their electoral votes and people went out to the streets to celebrate when they added to 270 making you our next President and the first African-American to occupy this position. It is not surprising that people from all walks of life cast their vote for you. Your policy proposals address issues, such as healthcare and education reform, that have been ignored for far too long to the detriment of most Americans and to the benefit of a privileged few. When the economic crisis hit I was relieved to see you calmly assess the situation and propose an infrastructure-based plan that would keep the country moving, provide jobs, and benefit our economy. Aside from your ideas and proposals, I was inspired by your message of hope and change. Your campaign has reminded us of that hope for the future is one of the foundations of our country. As a consequence everyday citizens like me have been empowered to create the change their communities need.

In addition, your message of hope struck a chord with me at a very personal level for the very reason that did not allow me to vote for you. I am college graduate, a Dreamer, and what some politicians like to call an “illegal” immigrant. (My story cut for brevity, insert yours)

Like me, each year across the United States, 50,000 to 60,000 undocumented students graduate from high school after having spent at least five years in this country. We can count among us future scientists, academics, activists, teachers, artists, nurses, business owners, and much more. We are being punished for the actions of our parents and left without a path to success and to citizenship. The potential additional tax dollars we would pay are ignored and our dreams are deferred. In the meantime our intellectual capital, which this country desperately needs, and this country’s investment in us go to waste. However, we are still hopeful. We are organizing ourselves and working together to reintroduce the Dream Act and work with Congress to pass it in 2009. As you know, this piece of legislation provides a thoughtfully mapped-out path to citizenship that would allow us to contribute to our country by sharing our talents and our success.

I ask you to please support the Dream Act as President of the United States and to provide the leadership needed for Congress members to support it. Please let us come out of the shadows. Please help us help you restore the greatness of our home, the United States of America. I am looking forward to have you as my President and working with you on this issue and many others.

Sincerely,


ABC Dreamer


I'll come back for a chat tomorrow afternoon/evening. Hope you guys are having a good weekend!:D

Re: Post-election letters
 

I have my letter all ready to be mailed :-)

Re: Post-election letters
 

letters out tomorrow!

Re: Post-election letters
 

umm.. am I not on the mailing list ?

:)

Letters tomorrow Mo?

Re: Post-election letters
 

Thanks for the help quaker!

It is really easy to miss a letter or a number when making email lists.

Should next weeks project be checking up on that list, making sure we have the right email addresses? MAGrad didn't get it...

Re: Post-election letters
 

I am just taken for granted LOL because I should be aware what's going on but since the second Stonewall is on in California, I am a bit lost in another world.

It's ok ... I'll try to put this on lists that I have control over.

Re: Post-election letters
 

Got the email. I didn't know we where sending them to all offices now, but it sounds good to me. I'll change the info right now.

Re: Post-election letters
 

I'm in California too, honestly the whole post-prop 8 situation is a mess. Now even some anti-prop 8 people decided to make a "let's blame it on poc" camp.:-?

Re: Post-election letters
 

It's not their fault; it's the stupid simplistic CNN exit polls. People are hardly going to react with a 'thank you' note when they see a particular group voting overwhelmingly to take their rights away. Don't worry -- the few rotten apples we have will come around soon but the rallies are not about to stop.

Anyway, back on topic -- Got the email. Posted on DreamActivist. Kinda late for me to inform the other DREAM networks *sigh*

Re: Post-election letters
 

uhuh .... zing!

Re: Post-election letters
 

:-p

My CV along with a letter...
Oh, lets not forget that ego wall...