1. Think of a political issue that is important to you. The issue should be currently debated nationally and covered by the media.

2. Prepare a background analysis in order to organize your thoughts and educate yourself about the issue. Use Ivy Tech's Virtual Library to find 2-3 articles about the issue. Your background analysis must include:

• Identification of the people or groups involved in the debate,

• Description of conflicting viewpoints surrounding the issue; and

• Various policy outcomes that are desired by the different participants in the debate.

• Students may use either APA format or MLA format, but academic standards require that all sources used must be cited. (Click on the links to learn more about MLA and APA)

3. Identify the most appropriate federal, state or local elected or appointed official who can assist in affecting change. Find the address, or email address, of the official you've written to.

4. Using formal correspondence style, prepare a letter informing the official of your concern and offering a solution or making a request for action. CAUTION: Yours may be an emotional issue, but your argument must be based on reason, not just emotion. Support your position, and refute opposing positions, with factual information and well-reasoned arguments.

5. Send an email to the selected official and submit your background analysis and letter.