Free Template Library

Staring at a blank page and not sure how to start? Copy these, fill in the [brackets], and change the words so they sound like you.

They are free to use. Keep a copy of anything you send. If you would like a printable version, the Self Advocacy Starter Kit is a good next step.

1. One page meeting plan

Meeting with: [name and organisation]
Date and time: [when]
What I want to happen: [one sentence]
My three main points:

1. [point one]
2. [point two]
3. [point three]

Questions I want answered:

• [question one]
• [question two]

If they say no, I will ask: “Can you tell me the reason, and how I can ask for it to be reviewed?”

More help: How to Prepare for a Difficult Meeting.

2. Question builder

Pick the ones that fit:

• What are my options?
• What happens next, and by when?
• Who is making this decision?
• Which rule or policy is this based on?
• What would you need from me to change the decision?
• Who can I speak to if I disagree?

3. Contact log

Date	Who I spoke to	What was said	What was agreed	Follow up by
[date]	[name, role]	[one or two lines]	[who will do what]	[date]

More help: Documenting and Tracking Advocacy Efforts.

4. Follow up after a call

Hello [name],

Thank you for speaking with me today. I understood that [what was agreed], and that it would happen by [date].

Please let me know if I have anything wrong.

Kind regards,
[your name], [reference number]

5. Ask for reasons in writing

Hello [name],

I would like to understand the decision about [what]. Could you please send me the reasons for it in writing, including which rule or policy it is based on?

Thank you,
[your name], [reference number]

6. Ask for a review

Hello [name],

I would like to ask for the decision made on [date] about [what] to be reviewed. [One or two lines on why, and what information you would like them to look at.]

Could you please tell me how the review works and when I can expect an outcome?

Thank you,
[your name], [reference number]

7. Ask for an adjustment

Hello [name],

To take part in [what], I need [the adjustment, for example more time, information in plain words, a different way to attend]. This is because [one line, only as much as you are comfortable sharing].

Please let me know if you need anything else from me.

Thank you,
[your name]

More on wording: How to Write a Clear Advocacy Email.

The bit that matters most

A template is only a starting point. If your own words feel more like you, use them. What matters is that the request is clear, dated and in writing.