online support for
second wives and stepmothers
Father Ordered by Illinois Judge to Pay College Tuition, or Face Jail
Press release: A father of four was ordered this month by a circuit court judge to pay his adult daughter’s college expenses, regardless of his ability to pay, and will be incarcerated if he cannot pay the obligation.
Worse-Than-Usual Day in Family Court
Cafe member Nicole Franke's husband was ordered to pay nearly $8,000 a year for his adult daughter -- despite his hefty child support payments and ongoing medical expenses for his sick baby. Find out more in this editorial by the Cafe's co-founder and co-owner.
Run a Mile With a Column Inch
Want to write a letter to your local paper but you're not sure how to go about it? This article covers the hows and whys of writing letters to the editor.
Sample Elected Official Letter
Want to say something to your senator, representative, mayor, or governor on behalf of the Franke family, but not sure what to say or how to say it? See a sample letter here.
by Mary Kuris
Writing to Elected Officials
Writing to elected officials can be a great way to get your issue heard. In this age of information overload, it's important to make sure that your efforts are effective, or your letter might not even be read!
Fax it or snail-mail it. While e-mail is a quick and easy way to get your message out, it might go unnoticed in the hundreds or thousands of emails public officials receive daily. Send it the old-fashioned way -- via postal mail -- or, if time is short, send a fax.
Short, sweet, and to the point. Make it easy to read and accessible. Less than one page is best.
Even though you might have a long story to tell, it's best to be brief. Identify your position, and pick three points that support it and write about them. The idea is to generate interest, not to fully educate.
Make it neat; keep it personal. Either hand-write your letter clearly and legibly, or, if you've typed it, include a hand-written note.
Use good manners.While you might be absolutely incensed about an issue, make sure you remember to be courteous. Just as we say on the Cafe forums, "Attack the issue, not the person."
Be yourself. Include your contact information: name, address, and phone number.
Communicate your feelings. How does the issue affect you? How do you feel about it? Let your elected officials know.
Say what you want. What is it this person can do? Ask him or her to follow up with a specific action, even if you're just looking for a response.
Letters to Editors
Stick to their rules. Many newspapers have a specific format they prefer you use. Find out what it is, and follow it.
Just the facts, ma'am. Newspapers are usually very limited on space. Keep your letter short, articulate, and focused.
Be yourself, part two. Make sure to include complete contact information. Most editors will want to verify your information before publishing your letter.
Can you help?
Send our press release ANYWHERE you can to get the word out. Your local radio stations and newspapers are a good start.
Add your voice to an online petition begun to protest Mr. Franke's family's treatment by Judge Condon and the Illinois family law courts.
Attend a candlelight protest at the McHenry County courthouse on January 22nd, the day before Mr. Franke's next hearing. We'll add more details as this protest is organized; if you're interested in showing your support in person, drop us a line at admin@secondwivescafe.com.
Check with Cafe member MaryMac's website for updates on the Franke case.
Cafe member jennyrene has a website dedicated to this issue, as well.
Write your Congressperson. Let him or her know this story, and how you feel about it.