Thursday, March 8, 2012

Today, we did peer reviews for YPI. You then began writing a letter to a charity. I have pasted the information below. This is to be completed in a revised (PERFECT) state by the end of class tomorrow.

The Lesson that Could Still Make a Difference
Now that YPI is behind us, we have had some time to reflect on the presentations. Some may feel that their charity deserved more than it got. If that was you, then it was a successful venture. After all, isn’t creating greater awareness the most important part? Okay, so you may not entirely agree. Good. It will make this last assignment that much easier.
Today and tomorrow are going to be spent on a last ditch attempt to get support for your charity. You already know about the issue your charity addresses, what they do, and what it is they specifically need to operate more effectively. Get the idea of $5000 out of your head, look at what is specifically needed, and write a letter to a company with the means to meet the request. We have a lot of companies in this area that you could write to. I might start by thinking of places parents, family friends, or siblings work at or I might have to look in a phone book under “oil companies” or some other industrial title to locate them. This doesn’t have to be the first step, but it helps.
The Assignment
Write a letter to the company explaining the YPI initiative, the charity you presented, what it does for the community, what it needs and what you are requesting of them. You must include information for them to make out a cheque (name of organization and charity number are a must!). They can send it to you so you can present it to the charity to let them know that your efforts on their behalf weren’t in vain, or they can send it directly, but make it clear you simply want to help your charity get what they specifically need to operate. Each person in your group MUST write to a different organization and your letters are your own, independent work (no more group work, guys).
When you are finished (it must be typed and formatted as you have already been directed. See your handout on the letter), you must fill in a checklist (on the back of this) and hand in. I will review them, mark them and return them for further revision and mailing. We will then go over how to address the envelope (another task you must be able to do for your PAT) and send them out.