LETTER TO A LEGISLATOR – Solidify your understanding of what public health is and strengthen your public health communication skills by writing a letter to your legislator. SELECT ONE topic within the guidelines given above. RESEARCH and understand chosen topic, starting with materials presented in class and supplement with other resources available from authoritative sources and news outlets. APPLY core values and principals of ethical public health practice and the 3-step ethical analysis procedure to develop, summarize, and justify your stance on the issue. WRITE a letter to your legislator of choice, sharing your view of the topic and advocating for a specific action around the issue. CHECK for grammar issues, typos, and format: 1-2 type-written pages, double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, 1 inch margins. Important Notes Be thoughtful about topic selection. Among the public health related topics being debated today, what is important to you? Get clear on action opportunity. Has a decision been made around the topic that you do not agree with? Is legislative action pending on the topic? Strong letters address current issues with legislative implications. Focus your research. It may prove helpful to use course materials to begin to formulate your opinion of the topic and create a list of questions you think are important to learn more about and consider before you delve into further research. This approach can help with focus and efficiency. Hone and be clarify your message. What is the central message of your letter? What do you want your legislator to do about this issue? Is it simple? Clear? Actionable? All content used in your analysis and letter must be your own original content or/and be appropriately cited/referenced if from an outside source.