Writing for Change

You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you.

~Arthur Polotnik

I've always believed that writing is a form of communication that can do so much more than simply express what we think; it can truly be used as an agent of change. This is what has led me to create this unit for my students in which they learn to write for change. We often ask ourselves, "What difference do I make?", rather than "What difference CAN I make?", and in the case of my fifth grade students, I choose to take full advantage of the optimism and hope that come with youth and encourage them to use their writing for a greater purpose.

In learning to write for change, my students chose one of four issues to research, create a persuasive argument, and write to an individual of authority who might be able to help create change.

Issue 1: Support Earth Hour
What began as a campaign in Sydney, Australia to get individuals to turn their lights off has grown into one of the world’s biggest climate change initiatives. In 2009, at 8:30 PM on March 28th, people around the world will turn their lights off for what hour- Earth Hour. The goal is to reach one billion people, more than 1000 cities all joining together in a global effort to show that it is possible to take action on global warming. By choosing this issue, you commit to participating in Earth Hour in your home as well.

Students who chose this issue researched the effects of global warming and why conserving energy is beneficial to the environment, as well as the history of Earth Hour. They wrote either a letter to Mayor Knox White of Greenville encouraging him and the city of Greenville to participate in Earth Hour 2009, or a Letter to the Editor of the Greenville Times encouraging residents of our community to participate in Earth Hour.

Issue 2: Raising the Cigarette Tax in South Carolina

The American Cancer Society is gearing up for their 9th year of fighting to increase South Carolina’s cigarette tax, which is currently the lowest in the nation. The current tax per pack is still 7 cents, and has not changed in more than 30 years. The national average is now $1.19 in taxes per pack of cigarettes. One third of all cancer deaths are related to tobacco use, and almost 90% of smokers started at or before age 19. The American Cancer Society knows that the most effective way to keep kids from starting to smoke is to raise the tax on cigarettes, and is advocating for a 93 cent raise in taxes to bring the tax up to $1.00 for tobacco products. Last year, a bill to increase the cigarette tax by 50-cents a pack passed the full House and Senate before being vetoed by the Governor.

Students who chose this issue researched information about the harmful effects of smoking and when and how teens and other youth begin smoking. Students found results on how smoking can be decreased if taxes are increased and brainstormed ideas for what the state of South Carolina use the additional tax money for. They then wrote letters to Governor Mark Sanford sharing their findings and asking him to support an increase in the state cigarette tax.

Issue 3: Supporting Autism Therapy

Autism is a disorder that affects normal brain function, development, and social interactions. Children and adults with autism find it difficult to relate to other people in a meaningful way and show restrictive and/or repetitive patterns of behavior or body movements. There is no known cause or known singular effective treatment for autism. However, with therapy and treatments, people with autism can make significant progress and lead meaningful and productive lives. Experts agree that early diagnosis and intervention are critical because the earlier people with autism get help, the better their outcomes will be in the future.

Students who chose this issue researched information about Autism and Ryan’s Law, which was passed in May 2007 in South Carolina to ensure that insurance companies cover therapy and treatment for individuals with autism. They found out about the PDD Waiver (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Waiver) which provides services to children ages 3-10 years old with autism. They then wrote a letter to their local Senator thanking him for supporting Ryan's Law and asked him to continue to support the PDD waivers.

Issue 4: Save the Rainforests
Rainforests are being destroyed at an alarming rate! More than 64 acres a minute, 3800 acres and hour, 93,000 acres a day, and 2,800,000 acres a year disappear.

Students who chose this issue researched information about rainforests, their importance to the environment, and the threats of extinction they face. They then wrote letters to President Barack Obama sharing what they had learned, and asked him to do what he could to support legislation and funding to save the rainforests of the world.

The letters have been sent, and we anxiously await a response and perhaps seeing the fruits of our labors and the change we hope will come about!