Empty plates can say a lot

Summary: The activity teaches students how to be advocates. Students will communicate an issue related to hunger and poverty by composing and sending a letter to an elected official.

Time: 30 to 40 minutes

Age: Eight to adult

Materials: Paper plates
Markers/ crayons
Magazines
Hunger statistics

Preparation: Gather materials

Group size: Unlimited

Procedure:

1. Tell students what being an advocate means.

2. Explain to students that writing a letter is one of the most effective ways to communicate with legislators. Legislators are required by law to save correspondence from constituents.

3. Provide students with information they can use to develop their message. Discuss hunger statistics with the group or present OFB's "Take Five" action of the month.

4. Give each student a paper plate. Ask students to address the backside of their plate to the elected representative of your choosing.

5. Ask the students to turn the plate over.

6. Ask the students to create a message about a hunger. Ask them to write something they feel strongly about. They can use words or pictures to communicate the message.

7. Ask students to share the message on their plate with the group.

8. Mail the letters.