Tips for Connecting - Civic Education at SHS - LibGuides at Shrewsbury High School

Questions 4-7 from 10 Questions for Young Change Makers.

Question 4: Where do we start?

Question 5: How can we make it easy and engaging for others to join in?

Question 6: How do we get wisdom from crowds?

Question 7: How do we handle the downside of crowds?

Shared with Permission from the Harvard Democratic Knowledge Project.

When it is time to reach out to experts or organizations related to your cause, keep the following in mind:

Use the "Connect with Organizations" page on this guide to identify potential contacts.
Google your issue to find other organizations who are doing work that interests you.
Find university programs related to your topic. Professors and grad students at universities are often happy to answer questions and serve as an expert for student projects.
Reach out to at least 2 organizations or people. I usually find success when I reach out to twice as many contacts as I need.

In your initial email, make sure that you.

Include a polite greeting
Introduce yourself, a student at Shrewsbury High School
Explain your project (if applicable)
Make your request
Thank them for their time and consideration
Sign the email with your first and last name.

Consult the following tabs for more specific email etiquette.

If you are reaching out to an organization to discuss volunteer opportunities, use the following email as a template.

Hello,

My name is __________, and I am a (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) at Shrewsbury High School (in Massachusetts, if they are not in the area). I am interested in volunteer opportunities at _____________ (name of organization).

(Discuss interest and/or availability)

Please let me know if there are any available opportunities.

Thank you,

(First and Last Name)

(Phone Number)

If you are reaching out to an individual or organization to request their expertise, use the following email as a template.

Hello,

My name is __________, and I am a (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) at Shrewsbury High School (in Massachusetts, if they are not in the area). (Include group member names if you are in a group). I am (we are) currently working on a project about ______________ (Brief description of your project).

I am (we are) writing to you because ________________ (Reason that their expertise may of use to you)

Examples: I am writing to you because of your work with children who struggle with poverty. OR I am writing to you because your organization supports efforts to address climate change.

I (we) would like to connect to discuss our project and get your ideas or feedback. Are you (or someone in your organization) available to ________ (way you would like to connect)

Examples: Are you available to answer some questions over email? Are you available to speak over the phone (or connect through a video chat)?

If you are unavailable, do you know of anyone else who may be able to answer some questions and offer feedback?

Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely

(First and Last name of group members)

Social Media and Civic Action

Social Media can be a powerful tool in civic action. You can use it to:

Connect with organizations and individuals who are working toward the same goals
Connect with others (or bring attention to your cause) through hash tags
Be a part of a larger conversation about the issue.

Many have successfully used social media in the past to bring attention to their cause. The students from Stoneman Douglas High School expertly leveraged social media and ignited the #NeverAgain movement. Read more about how the students used social media here.

BUT....

There are definite drawbacks to social media.

When connecting with others on social media please:

Protect yourself first. Do not share personal details through social media. Do not share what you are uncomfortable sharing.
Take information shared on social media with a grain of salt. Verify facts and information in other sources.
- Evaluating Truth in a Post Truth World
- Introduction to Fact Checking for Journalists
Respect people with other opinions.
- Talking Across Political Differences
Avoid engaging with trolls.

And, if you are unsure or uncomfortable, check in with your teacher or another trusted adult.