by Dr. Dino Sossi

In this exercise, students were invited to write a letter to any level of government that advocates on behalf of their preferred social movement or organization.

The responses below are as well written as these powerful movements deserve.

Reducing Gun Violence

by Branka Romih

Branka’s Introductory Notes: “The main reason why I chose my topic to be gun control was due to an increase in violent events and numerous victims of gun violence across the nation. The most upsetting reason to me is that most of the victims are innocent bystanders, schoolchildren, workers, or shoppers who were just at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

11/2/2022

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

2107 Rayburn HOB

Washington, DC 20515

RE: Support to Reduce Gun Violence & Make Our Schools Safer

Dear Congressman Pallone,

My name is Branka Romih, and I am writing to you on behalf of our organization the New Jersey Coalition Against Gun Violence. We want to thank you for your dedication and commitment to making New Jersey a safer place. As we remember victims of many mass shootings that took place over the last couple of years in Las Vegas, Aurora, and Newtown, we cannot continue to stay silent and do nothing in the face of this growing epidemic of violence across our society. This is especially true when atrocities involve young and innocent children as in the recent shooting in Uvalde, Texas where a gunman killed 19 students and 2 teachers. 

From this, we ask that you continue to represent the interest of New Jersey in Congress and continue to press for gun-violence prevention legislation in the future. For example, please support the following types of measures:

• Implement strict background checks for those who apply for a permit
• Prohibit gun access for those who may be at risk of hurting others or themselves
• Ban the sale of automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines

The New Jersey Coalition Against Gun Violence encourages you to support a bill that will impose stricter gun regulation and ensure thorough screening of those who apply for a weapons permit. 

Sincerely,

Branka Romih

Spokesperson and Vice Chair of the New Jersey Coalition Against Gun Violence

1 South Street

Trenton, NJ 08601

888-888-8888

spokesperson@NJAgainstGunViolence.com

Black Lives Matter Mural in New York City

by Nadine Pierre-Louis

Nadine’s Introductory Note: “There is no room for inequality and racism in America. The Black Lives Matter campaign works to end systemic racism and the mistreatment of African Americans across the world. It is important to “write the world” and utilize our influence to make changes in society that are not morally right or go against equal treatment of all.”

November 5, 2022

The Honorable Governor Kathy Hochul

NYS State Capitol Building

Albany, NY 12224

RE: Support for Black Lives Matter Mural in New York City

Dear Governor Kathy Hochul,

On behalf of the New York division of Black Lives Matter, we thank you for your continued support in advocating for justice and equality for black people in America. Recently, the states of California, North Carolina, Texas, and Alabama, etc. have painted Black Lives Matter murals within these same states. We are asking that you support us in creating a Black Lives Matter mural in New York City to show the state’s commitment to and support of ending policy brutality and discrimination against black people.

Black Lives Matter would be delighted to answer any questions you may have or discuss this issue further. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for all that you do for us New Yorkers.

Sincerely,

Nadine Pierre-Louis

Director of Public Relations, New York Chapter

Email: press@blacklivesmatter.com

Tel: 888-888-8888

Processing of U.S. Spousal Visas 

by Raquel M. Gonzalez-Otieno

Raquel’s Introductory Note: “I decided to write a letter to the US Embassy in Kenya due to the overwhelming backlog of processing U.S. visas. The reason being is my husband is a Kenya national and it will take up to a year to process and approve his immigration/spousal visa to the U.S.”

November 2, 2022

The Honorable Margaret Whitman

Ambassador of the United States

American Embassy

United Nations Avenue Nairobi

P. O. Box 606 Village Market

00621 Nairobi, Kenya

RE: Processing of U.S. Spousal Visas:

Dear Madam Ambassador

On behalf of the Coalition of Americans Married to Kenyans, we thank you for your efforts of the immigration process for Kenyan citizens to be united with their families in the United States.  We are a non-for-profit organization consisting of volunteers to support U.S. citizens and their Kenyan families who are seeking to reunite in America.

We write to urge you to fully understand the economic hardship placed on both sides of the family on different sides of the world.  Due to the global impact of the Covid pandemic, we all understand the financial and economic burdens of the citizens of Kenya – as well as those of us here in the U.S. Therefore, we ask you for a resolution to the outstanding processing and one-year waiting period for U.S. visas.

The Coalition of Americans Married to Kenyans would be delighted to discuss this issue further. We look forward to working with you. Thank you for your service for the citizens of Kenya who are trying to become U.S. citizens.

Asante Sana,

Thank You Very Much,

Raquel M. Gonzalez-Otieno

Communications Specialist

Coalition of Americans Married to Kenyans

gonzalez@marriedtokenyans.com

Condemning the Murder of Mahsa Amini

by Laurie Mollo

Laurie’s Introductory Note: “The Iranian protests generated by the death of Mahsa Amino who was killed for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. The reason I chose this topic because it is a current event pertaining to women’s rights and is a human rights violation issue.”

November 4, 2023

Congressman Michael McCaul

2001 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

RE: Support for H. Res 1397 - Condemning the Government of Iran's torture and murder of Mahsa Amini and its crackdown on protesters seeking basic human rights, and supporting the protesters in their demands for freedom.

Dear Congressman McCaul:

On behalf of the Center for Human Rights in Iran, I am writing to urge the United States government to recognize atrocities and human rights violations being inflicted on the citizens of Iran. Mahsa Amini was brutally killed by morality police for allegedly not having her hair fully covered by her hijab in compliance with the government’s rules. Her death has created an uprising resulting in the torture and death of hundreds of citizens advocating for women’s rights and freedom, as well as innocent bystanders. Unlawful arrests are continuing and Islamic Republic authorities are now seeking to impose death sentences on protestors.

We urge you to fully support H. Res 1397 which in summary concludes that the resolution:

• Condemns the Iranian regime's torture and murder of Mahsa Amini.
• Condemns the Iranian regime's laws that discriminate against women.
• Condemns the Iranian regime's use of violence against those peacefully protesting the government and seeking freedom.
• Recognizes the right to self-determination for the Iranian people struggling to establish a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Iran.

We at the Center for Human Rights in Iran uphold the United Nations definition of human rights; “Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.” Please support us as we continue to advocate for human rights in Iran.

Our organization will answer any questions you may have or discuss this issue further. We look forward to working with you on supporting H. Res 1397. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Laurie Mollo

Center for Human Rights in Iran

Communications Representative

+1 888-888-8888

communications@iranhumanrights.org

School Zoning for Speed Restrictions   

by Shonelle Williams

Shonelle’s Introductory Note: “I chose to explore the School Zone as my subject because since moving to Florida, I have realized a drastic difference in how we can provide a safer place for our children. I do not think enough emphasis is put on small things like reducing speed that can potentially save lives.”

11/2/2022

New York City Department of Education

The School Zoning Agency is petitioning for new speed restrictions around all New York City public and private schools. We want the new speed limit to be 15 miles an hour between pick-up and drop-off times. This restriction would only be in place for drop-offs between 7:30 and 8:30 am and pick-ups between 3:30 and 4:30 pm.

The current speed zone around public and private schools is 25 miles an hour. However, in other places outside New York City, the speed zone is set at 15 miles an hour. We understand from research that it is slow and you could walk faster than if you drove. However, let us consider the following statistic “An estimated 152,000 school-age children are injured during normal school travel hours each year. Roughly 80% of those injuries occur in passenger vehicles” (NHTSA). These accidents often involve motorists failing to recognize the child on the road. Most of these accidents occur as children get on or off school buses or cross school intersections. When drivers are speeding, driving recklessly, or driving distracted, severe and sometimes fatal school zone accidents can occur.

When I moved from New York to Florida, I began to recognize the enforced school zones around all schools. This came with flashing yellow lights once posted times were in place – 7:30 to 8:30 am. The amber lights flash close to unknown school zones. This initiative was followed up by police cars parked at different outlets to enforce the speed restrictions. However, within a couple of weeks, the police cars were no longer needed; everyone followed the posted speed zone. The traffic flowed at a consistent pace. This is not the case in New York City. In New York City, the posted speed zone around schools or 25 miles an hour. It is a fact that a car traveling 15 miles an hour as opposed to a vehicle traveling 25 miles an hour involved in a traffic accident would result in less serious injury. It would also result in the driver giving themselves enough time to press the brakes to avoid hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle. 

We would be delighted to meet with you or answer any questions you may have or discuss this issue further.

Respectfully,

Shonelle Williams

Director of Administration for School Zoning Agency 

1274 Union Street

Brooklyn, NY 11225

director@sza.com

Break the Cycle of Violence Act 

by Carlos Leon

Carlos’ Introductory Note: “I chose the subject matter of my letter because I am concerned that the youth in my community are not being properly prepared to be successful in the world we live in today. This and the growing threat of violence in our neighborhoods impact our youth in negative ways.”

Dr. Sossi’s Introductory Note: “Carlos writes an advocacy letter to Senator Charles Schumer to support Senator Cory Booker’s Break the Cycle of Violence Act to support minority youth with improved employment opportunities.”

November 4, 2022

The Honorable Charles E. Schumer

322 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6542

RE: Support for S. 2275 – Break the Cycle of Violence Act sponsored by Sen. Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)

Dear Senator Schumer:

On behalf of St. Nicks Alliance, we thank you for your continued support of New York youth’s pursuit of a safer, thriving community. St. Nick’s Alliance is an organization of service-oriented staff and community members committed to supporting and promoting activities that aid the youth of underserved communities and their families.

We write to urge you to fully support S. 2275 – Break the Cycle of Violence Act, as it has served a critical role in opening the doors to employment opportunities for minority youth in New York and providing them with a safer community in which to thrive. This bill provides a safer environment for the underserved youth of minority communities.  It does so by providing: community outreach programs, hospital-based intervention programs, crisis management, and access to job and entrepreneurship training, apprenticeship, and technological and digital literacy programs. Studies have shown that communities with “well-targeted, low-cost employment policies can make a substantial difference” in the lives of youth citizens.

As a group of community organizers in New York, St. Nick’s Alliance calls on you to continue to make our communities safer and help them thrive instead of just survive. This past year has had a disproportionate impact on youth unemployment, with 2.9 million more unemployed youth in mid-2020 compared to pre-2020 levels. Simultaneously, the 2020 recession accelerated an already increasingly digital and automated workforce, and youth must attain the digital, technological, and other technical skills necessary to succeed.  It is vital that these types of programs receive your continued and robust support to benefit our youth in this evolving higher education landscape. The pandemic’s impact on both the safety and financial stability of our youth and their families makes the S. 2275 – Break the Cycle of Violence Act more important than ever in ensuring our youth have the resources needed to flourish in spite of these events.

Our organization would be delighted to answer any questions or discuss this issue further. We look forward to working with you on S. 2275 – Break the Cycle of Violence Act.

Thank you for all that you do for the youth of our New York’s communities.

Sincerely,

Carlos Leon

Director of Community Advocacy

St. Nick’s Alliance

2 Kingsland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Tel: 888-888-8888

_____________________________________________________________________________

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act 

by Jennifer Claxton

Dr. Sossi’s Introductory Note: “Jennifer writes a persuasive advocacy letter to Senator Charles Schumer on an array of issues involved in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.”

November 5, 2022

The Honorable Charles Schumer  

322 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

RE: Support for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Dear Senator Schumer:

On behalf of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Black Lives Matter, we thank you for your continued support of funding educational programs in a wide range of communities as well as your support in helping to fight police brutality. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement is an organization of professionals whose mission is to improve the health and healthcare of communities worldwide.

We write to urge you to fully fund and support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This bill would help in a large range of policies that promote accountability for law enforcement misconduct, an overhaul of certain policing practices and helps to establish the best training policies. This act would also ban no knock warrants, chokeholds, and mandate trainings on racial bias.

Racial profiling and brutality have caused irreparable damage to communities of color. This bill will also ensure the groundwork be done to join public safety and communities together.

This act will establish more social services to communities who are in need. The exposure to violence and experiencing racism can be detrimental to health. It is important that there be a reinvestment in our communities to make sure human beings are treated with dignity and care.

The Act is a move towards reducing the harm police brutality brings on communities of color. We hope that with your support we can bring this bill to fruition.

Sincerely, 

Jennifer Claxton

Director of Communications

Black Lives Matter

5400 Three Notched Rd, Crozet, Virginia, 22932, United States

jclaxton@blm.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

School Mental Health Awareness Services

by Manuel Gonzalez

Dr. Sossi’s Introductory Note: “Manuel writes to the Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to provide comprehensive mental health coverage across U.S. schools.”

11-01-2022                                                                                                          

The Honorable Miguel Cardona

Department of Education Building

400 Maryland Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20202

RE: Mental Health Awareness Services at Schools for Children and Youth

Dear Secretary of Education Cardona,

On behalf of the Youth Mental Health Project, we want your help to make comprehensive school-based mental health services for students accessible in every American community. You might be aware of the significance of addressing mental health at an early age.

Fifty percent of people with a diagnosable mental health disorder will receive a diagnosis by age 14, 75% by age 24, and the majority will begin experiencing symptoms years before that, according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine report on mental health prevention and promotion.

Given these facts, programs that strengthen connections between education and health systems should receive priority. We have a better chance of mitigating or preventing mental illness if we act earlier. As such, my organization recommends that the following highly effective mental health initiatives be adopted by the U.S. Department of Education:

• A minimum of one mental health professional assigned to each U.S. public school
• A minimum of one youth mental health appointment for U.S. youth per year
• A yearly federal nationwide grant for youth mental health that is indexed to inflation

Mental health issues can be prevented and treated when children, adolescents, and their families have access to the appropriate services and support.

Your initiative can significantly impact many American kids and youth who can foster psychological wellness issues. We would be delighted to meet with you to discuss ways to increase access to treatment and education.

Sincerely,

Manuel Gonzalez 

Director of Communications

The Youth Mental Health Project 

Manuel.gonzalez123@ymhproject.com 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 

by Danielle Hance

Dr. Sossi’s Introductory Note: “Danielle writes to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on behalf of the Brady Campaign to stop gun violence.”

October 31, 2022

The Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand

780 Third Avenue
Suite 2601
New York, New York 10017

RE: Support for The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 

Dear Senator Gillibrand:

On behalf of the Brady Campaign, we ask for your support in preventing gun violence as we are concerned about how much this serious problem has become in New York State. The Brady Campaign is made up of administrators committed to stopping access to guns, removing them from black markets, providing public education to stop violence, protesting peacefully, and providing resources to those who may be in trouble and need assistance for safe places for them and their families.

We write to urge you to fully fund the Brady Campaign for the next three years as it has served a critical role in preventing further acts of gun violence and promotes public awareness and safety. We do not want to see our children or other individuals subject to such violence and lose yet another loved one. Our overall mission is to work to strengthen New York State gun laws. We need to work together to keep guns out of the hands of troubled and irresponsible individuals. Additionally, we have studied ways to try and maintain the right to own a firearm and adopt laws to protect public safety and community welfare that also respects the Second Amendment.

The Brady Campaign would like you to help implement more public safety regulations against gun violence and gun extremisms to protect our communities. We want to move away from guns being accessible by under-trained individuals and we would like you to take a stand with us in pushing more common-sense gun laws.  

Our organization would be delighted to answer any questions you may have or discuss this issue further. We look forward to working with you on the Brady Campaign project. Thank you for all that you do for the good citizens of New York State.

Sincerely,

Danielle Hance

Director of The Brady Campaign

Danielle.hance@BradyCampaign.nyc.gov

888-888-8888 x 888

_____________________________________________________________________________

U.S. Lend-Lease to Ukraine

by John Martinez

Dr. Sossi’s Introductory Note: “John writes to Senator Charles Schumer to continue U.S. funding for Ukraine in its war with Russia.”

11/04/2022

Senator Charles Schumer

780 Third Avenue, Suite 2301

New York, NY 10017

RE: Support for U.S. Lend-Lease to Ukraine

Dear Senator Schumer:

On behalf of the Global Patriots Association, we thank you for your continued support of financial aid and arms to the state of Ukraine. The Global Patriots Association is an organization of American citizens that advocate for democratic societies around the world. We work to raise awareness and provide aid to countries looking to transition to democratic societies as well as democracies that are under the threat of war.

We write to you to urge you to continue to fund the United States aid provisions to the Ukrainian government in their struggle against the Russian government. While we here at the Global Patriots Association typically work to assist countries through aid and programs, we believe the circumstances presented in Ukraine warrant full U.S. support through its monetary and military aid.

As patriots with a love of democracy and the freedoms granted to us, we believe it is imperative that the Russian government be defeated in all aspects in Ukraine. History has shown that an appeasement policy does not work with tyrants and that they must be soundly defeated to protect freedom and democracy. We look forward to working with you to provide aid to the Ukrainian people and protect democracy from tyranny.

Sincerely,

John Martinez

Director of Communications

Global Patriots Association

888-888-8888

_____________________________________________________________________________

New York City Healthy Food School Alliance

by Erika Rodriguez

Dr. Sossi’s Introductory Note: “Erika writes Representative Grace Meng to fund healthy meals in New York City schools.”

November 5, 2022

The Honorable Grace Meng

118- 35 Queens Blvd, Suite 110 

Forest Hills, NY, 11375

RE: Support for NYC Healthy Food School Alliance

Dear Representative Meng

On behalf of the NYC Healthy School Food Alliance, we thank you for your continued support of New York students’ pursuit of a healthy breakfast and lunch. Our organization is a parent-led advocacy group of counselors, nutritionists, and educational professionals who work together to change the food in New York City schools. Our initiative is committed to promoting activities that provide healthier food choices and supporting students and their families in changing the way New York City delivers healthy school lunches for our kids.

We write to urge you to fully support and fund this program across New York State public schools. Your support will serve a critical role in opening the doors to healthier food choices, decreasing illness, and improving student school performance. These programs support 1,050,649 students at 4,360 diverse institutions.

As nutritional, counseling, and educational professionals in New York, we ask you to continue to make public school lunches healthier. Given the range of students who benefit from our work, it is vital that this program receives robust, continued funding to support students in an evolving atmosphere. Addressing the school lunches issue is important because it will reduce obesity among children in the state. This reassures Healthy School Food is an investment with proven, long-term returns for both individual students and our state’s health statistics and economy. On average, an individual who suffers from obesity is more prone to underlying health conditions. This brings financial concerns in all areas, including work (e.g., employees could get sick more often, have higher health insurance premiums, and lower corporate productivity. Students with underlying health conditions are more likely to be absent, which deprives them of learning opportunities. NYC Healthy Food Alliance is asking for the following changes:

• Fresher, nutrition-based (appropriate protein, fats, and vitamins) prepared meals
• Improved culinary and nutritional education
• Providing gardens at every school to teach kids how to cultivate food
• Allotting longer periods of time for students to eat their meals

Our organization would be delighted to answer any questions you may have or discuss this issue further. We look forward to working with you on NYC Healthy Food Alliance funding and other healthy school meals issues as the fiscal 2022 year moves forward. Thank you for all that you do for New York students.

Sincerely,  

Erika Rodriguez  

Director of Communications

NYC Healthy Food Alliance

888.888.8888

communications@NYCFoodAlliance.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ending Gun Violence in New York City

by Shennel Wallace

Dr. Sossi’s Introductory Note: “Shennel writes Mayor Eric Adams to fund a program to continue removing illegal guns from New York City.”

11/5/2022

The Honorable Eric Adams

City Hall

New York, New York 10007

RE: Support for Ending Gun Violence in New York City

Dear Mayor Adams

On behalf of the New York public health commissioners, we thank you for your continued support for removing illegal guns off of the streets of New York City which will further help to reduce gun violence. As of 2021, with the assistance of the New York Police Department, we were able to confiscate roughly 6,000 guns. We write to urge you to fully fund a gun removal program across the city and implement stricter laws which will prohibit the selling of illegal guns, especially to minors.

Our Department of Public Health would like to be able to host gun drives which will offer cash incentives for turning in guns. These are aimed at enticing minors and illegal gun holders to turn in their guns for cash rewards.

We look forward to hearing from you and collaborating on this mission to make the streets of New York City a safer place.

Shennel Wallace

Director of Public Health Operations

PH: 888-888-8888

operations@NYpublichealth.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Bridging the Digital Divide

by Lee-Ann Graham

Dr. Sossi’s Introductory Note: “Lee-Ann advocates to narrow the digital divide for low-income New Yorkers by leveraging the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.”

12/10/2022

Deputy Commissioner Kevin Wisely

Albany, New York, Unites States

Re: State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Dear Deputy Commissioner Wisely,

My name is Lee-Ann T. Graham, on behalf of our community organization, Bridging The Gap, as Director of Communications I am reaching out to you regarding applications of designated funds allotted to New York State regarding broadband infrastructure and access.

Our organization focuses on bridging the technology accessibility gap, the digital divide, among minority minors in low-income neighborhoods and schools. We are committed to ensuring children from lower economic class are not once again detrimentally affected due to lack of infrastructure, specifically in this case the advancement and access to technology.

In 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This initiative allocated $1,806,531 to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. This was targeted to be distributed through the State and Local Implementation Grant program. This was intended to conduct outreach and education efforts regarding public safety broadband planning and infrastructure. We fully urge you Deputy Commissioner Wisely to invest a portion of this grant into Bridging the Gap to impact our communities’ minors intently and specifically.

An investment into Bridging the Gap is an investment into New York’s future. I am open to discussing implementation at any time that is convenient to you.

Respectfully,

Lee-Ann T. Graham

Director of Communications

Bridging The Gap [NYC]

Lgraham@BTG.com

888-888-8888

by Dr. Dino Sossi

We live during an era where politics seems to inhabit all parts of life, even our popular culture. As a result, young people who are increasingly fixated on our broader cultural life seem to be more politically aware, engaged, and active than ever before.

Citizens, governments, and corporations participate in an intricate dance where each impacts one another within an increasingly integrated social ecosystem. Giving CUNY students the opportunity to advocate on behalf of issues important to them will hopefully empower them and improve their home communities.

An assignment like Advocacy Letters for Government allows students to identify personally important social issues and hopefully “write the world” while they are members of our university community and hopefully well beyond.

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