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To: Members of the Roseville Human Rights Commission From: Tammy McGehee Date: April 30, 2015 Re: Requested Feedback on Human Rights Essay Contest As a former member of the Human Rights Commission and former English teacher, I would like to write in support of keeping the essay contest in its current format. While I believe all the arts are important, expository writing is a critical skill which is not readily taught in our schools. Expository writing has few public outlets for students in junior high or senior high school. Yet, whether one is sending a text, an e- mail, or constructing a formal business letter, making a point, convincing someone of the value of an idea, or selling a product through written communication, expository writing skills are the key. Unfortunately, while most of our schools spend substantial time on creative activities such as dance, theater, music, art, and creative writing, expository writing is not considered a"creative activity." Failure to recognize expository work in this genre means that it is not awarded the same outlets for public praise and review of its unique skill set. Luckily, this is just what the annual Human Rights Essay Contest does. It allows students to think critically about this seminal topic and construct and argument to persuade readers of the value of the point they are making in their essay. Students are encouraged to persuade and educate through written communication—a skill that will become increasingly important as they move into the workplace. This essay contest provides an opportunity for their skills to have a platform for public recognition and value. Many schools have small literary publications in which creative writing is featured. Dance programs highlight movement as an expressive communication skill. Music has many outlets: band, choir, orchestra, and often jazz. Art programs have gallery style shows for student work in schools, malls, and other public venues. Theater productions are standard occurrences at most schools. Student athletes have an array of activities which involve public participation and highlight their team and individual skills. All these categories of expression allow students to participate in programs that provide public and parental opportunities to value achievement. Expository writing does not. I think that if the Human Rights Commission wished to sponsor its own program in which students could submit creative writing samples (songs, poetry, and short stories) as vehicles to make a point on the human rights topic provided, it could be a separate local option. It would take a great deal of organization to develop such an option as well as creating criteria and processes for evaluating the additional disparate form. For all these reasons, I would like to express my strong support for the Human Rights Essay Contest in its current format—an exciting expository writing contest on timely topics that encourage critical thinking.