Submitted by Norah from Champaign Central High School, Champaign, Illinois.

I have always liked participating in outreach projects. They are a good way to learn more about your community and gain good life experience. Because I am an ambassador for Speak Up, I have been contacting my local lawmakers and representatives to make a local change in the way COVID-19 is being handled, and have even heard back from a couple of them already! It may seem like a daunting task to contact a lawmaker or representative, but it really isn't, and is actually quite easy to do. All you have to do is find out who your local lawmakers and reps are, (which is something your parents probably know), and then email or send a letter to their office. If you send a physical letter, make sure it follows the requirements for a physical letter sent to their office, or they won't accept it! Overall, don't be afraid to make your voice heard. We all have amazing ideas and individual opinions, and it is in our lawmakers best interests to hear those. Go speak up for your community!
Norah :)
Note*** ***Norah is one of our many ambassadors for our four community projects. To make a direct impact on struggling communities during this time, visit our community projects page and apply to be an ambassador for your school!