Welcome artsvest participants to the Letter Template! This template document has zero formatting. This makes it easier to copy/paste into a fresh document or email draft so that you can start right away. Here's how to get started: - select all / copy this text - open your email program - open a new draft - paste this text into your email draft - edit the text in your email program You can also copy/paste this text into a fresh document on your computer. We want your letter to be a total success. Thank you! Hilary and the Make the Case/artsvest team Remember to DELETE ANY --> SECTION HEADINGS <-- --> THE BASICS <-- Subject: My letter to my newly elected MP [Your Name] [Your Title/Role] [Organization Name] [City, Province] [Email address] [Phone number] [Date] The Honourable [MP’s Full Name] Member of Parliament for [Riding Name] House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Last Name], --> CONGRATULATIONS <-- Congratulations on your recent election as Member of Parliament for [Riding Name], and thank you for your service. We are grateful for your dedication to our community and look forward to seeing your leadership in action. --> INTRODUCING YOUR ORGANIZATION (Fill-in-the-Blanks) <-- I’m writing on behalf of [Organization Name], a [short descriptor] based in your riding. We have been serving [community/region name] since [year], working to [mission or impact]. Each year, we [statistic or impact statement], contributing to the cultural, social, and economic vitality of our community. --> WHY OUR WORK MATTERS TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS (Specific Text That Only You Can Write) <-- Your constituents are directly impacted by our programs, whether through participation, employment, or community benefit. For example: [Example of local impact] [Another impact, testimonial or success story] These initiatives foster inclusion and creativity. They also contribute to the local economy and social cohesion. --> WHERE OUR PRIORITIES ALIGN (Specific Text That Only You Can Write) <-- We were encouraged to see that you support [reference to a platform commitment, campaign etc.]. These values strongly align with our work and vision for a more vibrant, inclusive Canada. We believe that by working together, we can help advance our shared priorities right here in [Riding Name]. --> LET'S WORK TOGETHER (Standard Text) <-- We would like the opportunity to connect with you and your team further. Our hope is to establish an ongoing dialogue so that you are well-informed about the needs and contributions of the arts and nonprofit sector in your riding. --> CALL TO ACTION – Select Option A or B <-- Option A – Request a Meeting: We are hoping you are available to meet with us in the coming weeks. We’d love to introduce ourselves, share our recent work, and hear about your priorities for the riding. As indicated on [your website/office] we are underway in setting up this meeting. [Alt: we have contacted your office to set up a meeting time.] Option B – Invite to Public Event: We’re also preparing for an upcoming event in [Month] [explain community initiative and where it will be]. We’d be honoured if you could attend and introduce yourself directly with our community.  --> CLOSING <-- Thank you again for your service, and for taking the time to consider this letter. We hope to work alongside you during your term to build a stronger, more creative, and connected [Town/City/Canada]. Warm regards, [Your Full Name] [Title] [Organization Name] [contact information] This letter was developed through training support from artsvest, Business / Arts, and Make the Case. https://www.businessandarts.org/artsvest/ https://www.businessandarts.org/ https://makethecase.ca/