Write a Letter to the President
Write and polish a respectful letter to the President expressing one idea or concern, practice clear writing, polite tone, addressing, and mailing steps.
Step-by-step guide to write a letter to the President
Step 1
Gather all your materials and find a quiet place to write.
Step 2
Pick one clear idea or concern you want to share and write a single sentence that says it on scrap paper.
Step 3
Make a short outline with three parts: greeting opening; main idea with one suggestion; closing.
Step 4
Write a polite greeting and one sentence that says your first name and the city or town where you live.
Step 5
Write a short paragraph explaining your idea or concern and why it matters in 2 to 4 sentences.
Step 6
Write one sentence that suggests a clear idea or solution related to your concern.
Step 7
Write a polite closing sentence that thanks the President and leave a line for your signature and printed name.
Step 8
Read your draft out loud to check that it sounds respectful and clear.
Step 9
Fix any spelling punctuation or word problems you hear while reading.
Step 10
Write a neat clean final copy of your letter on fresh paper using your best handwriting.
Step 11
Ask an adult to help you find the current mailing address for the President.
Step 12
Address the envelope by writing the President’s address in the center and your return address in the top-left corner.
Step 13
Fold your letter neatly and put it inside the envelope then seal the envelope.
Step 14
Put a stamp on the top-right corner of the envelope and ask an adult to help you mail it at the post office or an official mailbox.
Step 15
Share your finished letter on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have an envelope or stamps?
If you don't have an envelope or stamps, ask an adult to take your neat final copy to the post office and put it into a postage-paid envelope or mail it for you when helping with the 'Ask an adult to help...' and 'Put a stamp...' steps.
I'm stuck making my main idea into one sentence—what should I do?
Write several short phrases on scrap paper during the 'Pick one clear idea' step, choose the clearest phrase, and turn it into one sentence before making your three-part outline.
How can we adapt this letter activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, use the three-part outline and have an adult scribe the greeting, one two-sentence paragraph, and the closing, while older kids can add a supporting fact in the 'short paragraph' and type and print the neat final copy to mail.
How can we make the letter more personal or persuasive?
Add a brief local example or a small drawing on the neat final copy to illustrate your point in the 'short paragraph' or final copy, keep a photocopy, and then share the finished letter on DIY.org as instructed.
Watch videos on how to write a letter to the President
Inside the White House: Letters to the President
3 Videos
Inside the White House: Letters to the President
Scholastic News: What It Takes To Be President
Electing a US President in Plain English
Facts about civic engagement for kids
✍️ Focusing on one clear idea and a direct request makes a letter easier to understand and act on.
🧾 Neat handwriting or a printed, proofread letter looks respectful and helps your message be understood.
🏛️ The President receives thousands of letters from citizens every year; many are read and summarized by staff.
🔍 White House mail is screened for safety; staff may read and summarize letters so leaders can hear citizens' views.
📬 You can mail a letter to the U.S. President at: The President, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500.
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