Note: You are welcome to translate this into the appropriate language(s) for your constituents. We hope this template letter provides a starting point.

[insert partner logo, or place on organization letterhead]

Dear supporter/volunteer/ [name],

I’m writing to let you know about the fifth annual World Prematurity Day, and to ask for your help.

As a supporter of [name of partner organization], you know better than most that premature babies aren't just small. Many of them — nearly 1 million babies each year — won't make it to their first birthday. Here in [country], [include a sentence about the problem of premature birth in your country].

Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under 5 worldwide. And babies who make it often face a lifetime of medical setbacks.

Critical research is the key to identifying the causes of premature birth so that we can better prevent it. And funding is vital to bringing effective, medical interventions to all the places where they are needed.
Raising awareness of premature birth is the first step to defeating it. Please help us spread the word. [Insert information about specific opportunities to help your organization promote World Prematurity Day events and more.]

Please join the global community at facebook.com/worldprematurityday and be sure to tag the World Prematurity Day page in your Facebook posts by typing @WorldPrematurityDay. On Twitter, use the hashtag #worldprematurityday. I am including some sample messages at the bottom of this [letter/email].

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Name of organization]

Facebook

  • Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under 5 worldwide. World Prematurity Day aims to change that. Click to “like” @worldprematurityday and join us.
  • Did you know that more babies die from premature birth than from better-known health problems like malaria and AIDS? “Like” @worldprematurityday and find out how you can help.
  • Every year, nearly 1 million babies die because they were born prematurely, and thousands of these deaths can be prevented. “Like” @worldprematurityday and find out how you can help.

Twitter

  • Help more babies make it to their first birthday: #worldprematurityday
  • What if you could help save a baby’s life? You can: #worldprematurityday
  • Nearly 1 million premature babies die each year. Join us in getting these babies the help they need: #worldprematurityday