LET YOUR WORK/SCHOOL KNOW

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Customize and copy these templates to inform your workplace or school about your participation in the economic shutdown.

Work Stoppage Letter

Use this template to formally notify your employer about your participation in the work stoppage from November 25 to December 2.

Dear INSERT NAME OF SUPERVISOR,

I am writing to inform you that I will not be working from November 25th to December 2nd in support of a national economic shutdown and general strike organized by Blackout the System. We believe that the only way that We the People will be heard by our current government and large corporations is to strategically, collectively, and peacefully withdraw our labor and spending from a corrupt and unbalanced system.

I hope you will stand in support of me, and any of my colleagues who choose to participate this work stoppage. Places of employment can participate by closing for the week or giving participants the week off, whether paid or unpaid. Even more important than the symbolism of standing with workers, Blackout the system is asking all employers to perform an audit of their policies impacting minorities, immigrants, women, and queer people. By ensuring that these groups have pay equity, a livable wage, and paid leave, businesses can demonstrate that their long-term actions align with the values we are standing up for during this work stoppage.

I am extremely dedicated to my work at INSERT NAME OF EMPLOYER. I respect the value of work, and I respect INSERT NAME OF EMPLOYER's values. At an increasingly insecure time for the rights of everyone in The United States of America, it is important to me that I also stand for the value of equality. I hope you will support me in my decision.

Thank you very much,

INSERT YOUR NAME

School Walkout Letter

Students can use this template to formally notify their school administration about their participation in the walkout. Parental permission and signature is required.

Dear INSERT NAME OF PRINCIPAL,

I am writing to inform you that with my parents' permission, I will not be attending school from November 25th to December 2nd in support of a national economic shutdown and general strike organized by Blackout the System. I believe that the only way that We the People will be heard by our current government and large corporations is to strategically, collectively, and peacefully withdraw labour and spending from a corrupt and unbalanced system. I am standing in solidarity with thousands of workers who will be withdrawing their labour from their workplaces in a general strike.

I hope you will stand in support of me and any of my students who choose to participate in this school walkout. Schools can participate by giving students the week off, whether by excused or unexcused absences and providing us with homework and study plans in advance so we do not fall behind. Even more important than the symbolism of standing with workers, we encourage all teachers and staff to participate with us in this political boycott. By standing up together we can demonstrate that our school supports equity, civil rights, human rights, and free speech.

I am extremely invested in my education at INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL. I respect the value of education, and I respect values demonstrated by the INSERT NEIGHBORHOOD community. At an increasingly insecure time for the rights of everyone in The United States of America, it is important to me that I also stand for the value of equality. I hope you will support me in my decision.

Thank you very much,

INSERT YOUR NAME

Parent signature:

_____________________

Tips for Using These Letters

  • Replace all text in [BRACKETS] with your specific information
  • Consider delivering the letter in person or via email, depending on your workplace/school culture
  • Give as much advance notice as possible to allow for planning
  • Keep a copy of the letter for your records
  • For students: Ensure you have parental permission and signature before submitting