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Illinois Partners for Human Service

Advocacy Toolkit

Letter from Provider Executives to Legislators

Purpose:This letter template is designed as an advocacy tool for human service provider executives to send to their legislators. It offers state officials a personal, first-hand account and specific statistics on how the budget impasse has negatively impacted both the organization and the communities it serves. The goal is to emphasize the need for organizations to receive timely payments and adequate funding.

Instructions: Executives at human service nonprofits can customize this letter template by simply filling in the [bracketed] spaces with their organization’s information and statistics.We are stronger when we speak together with one voice. Send your letter today!

[Date]

Dear [Name of elected official],

Paragraph 1: [Brief introduction: Your name and title, the name of the organization you work for, where you are located, what kind of services you provide, and how many people you serve.]

Paragraph 2: Although a budget has been passed, organizations are still forced to cancelprograms, lay off staff, and close their doors.Many are experiencing delays in payment as well as uncertainty on whether their contracts would be issued. This instability leaves your constituents without the critical services they need to lead dignified, productive lives. The reality on the ground is this: human services are essential for the construction of an infrastructure that supports all Illinois residents, but the entire infrastructure is put in jeopardy when human services are not paid or are inadequately funded. As fewer people have access to services, the well- being of our community declines.

Paragraph 3:The budget impasse exacerbated many challenges our organization already faced and during those 24 months, our organization has been forced to make many tough decisions and sacrifices.

  • [lay off # staff members;]
  • [eliminate/suspend # programs;]
  • [suspend/halt services to # community members in need;] and
  • [Any other consequences that your organization would face due to inadequate funding and/or delays in payments].

Paragraph 4: The [clients/residents/families/children] we serve depend on us.As you discuss funding for human services, please remember that without organizations like [name of your organization], we risk destroying the critical support structure that human services provides. Fewer or underpaid services mean a weaker foundation for building well-being for all members of our community.Help us to construct and maintain strong, healthy communities for our families.

Paragraph 5:Thank you so much for your time and consideration

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Title]

[Organization]