The Whole Spiel
Take Action: Thank You Messages to DC Councilmembers
October 1, 2021
Sukkah City x DC features imaginative and expressive structures that highlight key social justice themes of housing insecurity, displacement, and the changing urban landscape, and asks visitors to confront the impermanence of our lives and to experience what it would mean to live without a solid roof overhead. As part of Sukkah City x DC’s Community Day, and organized by our partners at Edlavitch DC JCC, we wrote thank you messages to the entire DC Council for unanimously voting on a budget that, when combined with the Mayor’s budget, will end homelessness for 2,370 individuals and more than 1,150 families.
Directions
Prepare a postcard or social media post to send a short message to DC’s councilmembers letting them know that you care about people experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC, and you appreciate that the FY2022 budget will make a real difference for this group of folks, who are often over-looked. If you are a resident of DC, please include your councilmember’s name as well as your own address so that the councilmember knows you are their constituent.
Sample Language for Adult
Dear Councilmember ______________,
Thank you for voting on a 2022 budget that will end homelessness for 2,370 individuals and over 1,150 families in Washington, DC.
Homelessness is an issue I care deeply about because __________________ and I’m thrilled to see you make this a budgetary priority in fiscal year 2022. Jewish tradition teaches us that we must always take care of our neighbors and I’m proud that the Council has chosen to put these values into action.
With gratitude,
Your name
Sample Language for Child
Dear Councilmember ______________,
My name is _____________ and I am ___ years old. Thank you for voting on a 2022 budget that will end homelessness for 2,370 individuals and over 1,150 families in Washington, DC. I care about homelessness because ________________. As someone who will vote one day, I hope you will continue to pay attention to this very important issue.
Your name
“Whoever saves a single life it is as if he has saved the whole world.”
Organizer: Sonya Weisburd, MSW, Director of Social Justice and Volunteer Programs, Edlavitch DC JCC