To whom it may concern,
Hello from the New York City Student Union! We are writing to tell you about an exciting forum that we are holding on the issue of Student Governments in New York CIty public schools. The forum will be held on Monday, December 14th at 5:00 the UFT building downtown.*

The New York City Student Union is a completely student run organization seeking to act as a powerful, collective voice for New York City public high school students. We work to defend and improve the rights of NYC students, and allow students to work cooperatively with educators and public officials to find solutions to the problems that afflict the lives of city youth. Through blogs, protests, forums and more we express the student opinion that is seldom heard concerning the decisions made about our own education. We also provide communication between students from all ends of the city, and ensure that students are able to make the most of the broad array of educational and social opportunities we are offered.

We see student governments as facilitators of student voice and unity within schools. Effective student governments are extremely important in the fight for student involvement in New York City schools. Student governments provide students with a productive forum for sharing thoughts and opinions with one another and a way to effectively communicate ideas to administration and faculty. This, in addition to the role of student government in planning events and creating programs for students, can play a significant role in increasing student’s involvement in their schools and improving a school as a whole.

That is why the New York City Student Union has launched the Student Government Project! This project was developed to help create and improve student governments in high schools around the city. On Monday, December 14th, we are continuing this project with our second forum to strengthen connections between existing student governments and continue to collaboratively create a basis of what a successful student government is and how it is run in different institutions. We are also hoping to help establish student governments in schools where they do not already exist. Students in schools with successful student governments will share their experiences and give suggestions to students trying to start their own.

If your school either has a student government or is interested in forming one, please join us on Monday, December 14th to take part in building school communities throughout the city. Both students and faculty members are welcome. Please email us at studentunion.nyc@gmail.com to RSVP or if you have any questions. If you are interested in getting more involved in the Student Union or wish to help plan this event, please visit nycstudents.org, stop by a meeting (5-6pm every Monday at the UFT building), or send us an email. All public high school students are welcome.

We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
The New York City Student Union

* The UFT offices are located at 50 Broadway between Exchange and Morris. Please visit nuycstudents.org for directions.