Please feel free to use this sample letter to send to your Austin friends and networks. You can use all or none of it. Remember, the more personal you can make your letter, the more responsive your friends will be. Tell them how YOU know Randi and why YOU are supporting her.

Dear Friend,

I am writing a letter to all of my friends today because I wanted to tell you about my friend Randi Shade. I know Randi from ____________. She is currently running for Austin City Council, Place 3, challenging incumbent Jennifer Kim.

Randi is 41 years old, she's lived in Austin for 18 years and is the mother of a 22-month-old son, Ethan. She has been a successful internet entrepreneur, a nonprofit executive, a former UT Student Body president, and, after completing her MBA at Harvard, she worked in state government under Governor Ann Richards where she was responsible for launching Americorps in Texas.

Randi is a bridgebuilder. She has the skills and a proven record of bringing people together to get things done. Her priorities are promoting responsible growth, fighting poverty in our community and delivering reliable, affordable city services.

I am supporting Randi because ____________.

If you want to learn more about Randi's stance on a particular issue  I hope you will visit her website at www.RandiShade.com. There is a LOT of information on there, and if you still have questions you should email her at Questions@RandiShade.com. Tell her I sent you!

Finally, if you're like me and think Randi is the best candidate for the job, I hope you will consider volunteering or donating to her campaign. If nothing else though, I hope you will vote for Randi on Election Day, Saturday, May 10th. Since May 10th is Mother's Day weekend, I want to especially encourage you to vote early, starting April 28th.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Your friend,

______________