Saying "Thank You"

A note from Five Wings Arts Council

If you are appreciative of public support for the arts, please thank your public officials!

We strongly urge you to make a phone call or drop a note of thanks to the Governor, your State Senator, your State Representative, or better yet - all three! Please see the “Region Five Legislators” page of this website for a complete contact list of Legislators.

To find out who your local Legislator is, go to http://www.gis.leg.mn/mapserver/districts/ and type in your physical address.

• Tell them you received an arts grant award from the Five Arts Council.

• Tell them the arts are important to your quality of life in north-central Minnesota.

• Tell them thanks for their continued support of the arts in the State’s budget and Legacy Amendment.

When writing . . . DO:

• Use the correct address and salutation, e.g., Dear Senator (name), Dear Representative (name), or Dear Governor (name).

• Type or write your letter clearly. If your letter is not easy to read, it could be discarded. Be sure to include your return address in the letter.

• Be specific. If possible, give an example of how the issue affects your district.

• Use your own words and stationery. Legislators feel that personal letters, rather than form letters, or e-mails, show greater personal commitment on the part of the writer, and therefore carry greater weight. Even a simple postcard will suffice in a pinch.

• Be brief. Choose a few bullet points that are direct and succinct. However, include enough information to explain why you are writing and why you appreciate their support for the arts.

• Please send (e-mail) a copy of the letter to the Five Wings Arts Council to put in your grant file

When writing . . . DON'T:

• Use slang or sloppy grammar.

• Mention other issues with your thank you letter. Please use a separate correspondence for other issues – keep it a simple thank-you!

• Criticize your local Legislator for not attending the activity.

  Sample Letter to Utilize for Personal Use