Rescissions Package LTE TEMPLATES 2025

Guidelines:

• Limit your LTE to 150-250 words or check the news outlet’s LTE guidelines online for an exact word limit and the best way to submit the LTE 

• Make clear that there’s broad support for continued investments in foreign aid 

• Include a clear statement on the problem at hand, and a call to action 

• Include your personal story and why it has made you a strong advocate  

• Include your name, city and daytime phone number 

• Contact Louisa Spofford at rrosenkranz@savechildren.org if you have questions 

Template 1: for parents and caregivers 

As a [mother/grandfather] raising [two kids/my grandson], I’ve had to fight hard to give [them/him] what [they/he] need[s] – safety, education and a little hope for the future. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve been blessed with support when I needed it most. [LEAVE OUT IF NEWS OUTLET TENDS TO REJECT SUBMISSIONS THAT APPEAR TIED TO AN ORGANIZATIONAL CAMPAIGN: That’s what drew me to Save the Children Action Network: the belief that every child, no matter where they’re born, deserves a chance.] 

[ADD A PERSONAL ANECDOTE EXPLAINING WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE WELLBEING OF KIDS ABROAD. FOR EXAMPLE: Years ago, I joined a church group on a trip to Central America. I met a young mother who had just lost her baby during childbirth because the nearest clinic was over a day away. She wasn’t looking for pity—she wanted what we all want: to keep our children healthy and alive.] 

That’s why I’m heartbroken that Congress is now considering canceling billions of dollars in life-saving foreign aid—funding it approved just three months ago with bipartisan support. This proposal would rip away maternal care, emergency food, and protection for children in crisis around the world. 

We cannot walk away from children when they are most in need. I urge [my senators/elected officials] to reject this rescissions request. Let the promises we made to children stand—and give them the future they deserve. 

Template 2: for anyone including youth advocates 

[ADD A PERSONAL ANECDOTE EXPLAINING WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT KIDS, HERE AND/OR ABROAD. FOR EXAMPLE: I grew up in a low-income household where some days, even school lunch was the only real meal I had. I know what it means to feel forgotten, but I also know what a difference the right support can make.] That’s why [LEAVE OUT IF NEWS OUTLET TENDS TO REJECT SUBMISSIONS THAT APPEAR TIED TO AN ORGANIZATIONAL CAMPAIGN: I volunteer with Save the Children Action Network and why] I’m deeply alarmed by Congress’s consideration of rescinding over $8 billion in life-saving foreign assistance. 

These aren’t abstract numbers. It’s mothers giving birth without trained help, children going without food in the middle of a crisis. Right now, 213 million children worldwide are caught in conflict or disaster. Nearly 5 million children under age 5 died in 2023, most from preventable causes. Cutting this aid would guarantee even more suffering. 

[ADD A PERSONAL ANECDOTE EXPLAINING YOUR INTEREST IN THE WELLBEING OF KIDS ABROAD, LIKE A STORY YOU READ, DOCUMENTARY YOU SAW OR TRIP YOU TOOK. FOR EXAMPLE: I once met a girl in Senegal named Awa. U.S. assistance supported the school meals that fueled her learning. That one meal made it possible for her to imagine a future where she becomes a nurse. We can’t take that chance away.] 

These funds were already approved. Canceling them now would be a betrayal of our values. I urge [my senators/elected officials]: Do not take back this lifeline. Reject the rescissions and stand up for children who still believe in a better tomorrow. 

Template 3: for people in or hailing from farm states  

As someone who grew up in a farming family, I’ve always believed in the value of hard work, helping neighbors and doing what’s right – even when no one’s watching. [LEAVE OUT IF NEWS OUTLET TENDS TO REJECT SUBMISSIONS THAT APPEAR TIED TO AN ORGANIZATIONAL CAMPAIGN: That’s why I joined Save the Children Action Network: because I believe in protecting children, whether they’re down the road or across the ocean.] 

But helping kids around the world isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing, too. The U.S. foreign aid budget helps feed hungry families abroad by buying crops grown right here at home. Every time we send emergency food or support farming programs overseas, we’re creating a ripple effect that benefits our farmers, our rural economies and our agricultural exports. 

Now, Congress is considering a rescissions package that would cancel more than $8 billion in critical foreign aid, including food assistance and support for farm families trying to feed themselves. Cutting this aid won’t make us safer or richer. In fact, it will make the world more unstable, diseases harder to contain and markets for U.S. goods harder to reach. 

We should be building a safer, healthier world for our own kids, and that starts with showing up for children everywhere. I urge [my senators/elected officials] to reject the proposed foreign aid rescissions. Let’s choose leadership, not retreat.