Advocacy Letter

In this assignment, you will write a persuasive letter to an elected official or policymaker advocating for a specific criminal justice policy change you believe is necessary, urgent, and just.

This is not a generic opinion letter. You are writing as an informed constituent who understands how identity, power, and inequality shape crime and justice outcomes.

Step 1: Choose a Policymaker

Select one real policymaker whose role is relevant to your issue, such as:

  • A city council member
  • County prosecutor
  • State legislator
  • Governor
  • Member of Congress

You must explain why this person has authority over the policy you are addressing.

Step 2: Identify a Policy Issue

Choose one specific policy or practice, such as (but not limited to):

  • Cash bail reform
  • Juvenile sentencing laws
  • Police use-of-force standards
  • Immigration enforcement & detention practices
  • Trauma-informed correctional programming
  • Probation and parole conditions
  • Victim services access for marginalized groups

Your issue must involve unequal impact across identity groups.

Step 3: Write the Letter

Your letter should be 1.52 pages, professional in tone, and include the following elements:

  1. Opening Context
    • Introduce yourself as a constituent and student
    • State the issue clearly and why it matters now
  2. Problem Explanation
    • Describe the policy and how it currently operates
    • Explain who is most affected and why
    • Explicitly address race, class, gender, age, or other relevant identity factors
  3. Evidence-Based Argument
    • Reference course concepts, research, or documented disparities
    • Include statistics, but not too many; focus on meaning and consequences
  4. Proposed Change
    • Clearly describe what you want changed
    • Explain how this change would reduce harm or increase fairness
  5. Anticipating Pushback
    • Address at least one likely counterargument
    • Explain why reform is still necessary
  6. Closing Appeal
    • Make a clear, respectful call to action

Formatting

  • Letters should follow standard professional letter formatting
  • You are not required to send the letter, but you may if you choose
  • Tone should be persuasive, not hostile

WRITE MY PAPER

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