CECmisc.89


TITLE:  Becoming a Consumer Activist

AUTHOR:  Skip Adams, MacLaren Schools; Woodburn, Oregon

GRADE LEVEL:  6-12   Citizenship/Law

OVERVIEW:
This lesson is designed as a 60 minute unit, with some
student work on complaint letters done outside class.
Although the lesson is geared to 5th or 6th grade, it can be
modified for upper grade levels.  Extension activities can
reinforce basic consumer concepts providing students with
practical life skills.

This and other lessons developed by the Ohio Attorney
General's Office with educators, are being piloted this fall
and will be available for distribution later this year.
This copy was reprinted from the " Lexpress" newsletter,
published by the Classroom Law Project, 6318 S.W. Corbett,
Portland, Oregon 97217.

OBJECTIVE(s):  Students will learn:
1.   To identify and apply the steps used in the decision
     making process.
2.   To identify consumers' options for action when they
     receive an unsatisfactory good or service.
3.   To analyze consumers' options concerning an
     unsatisfactory good or service and to make an educated
     choice for action.
4.   To write and send an effective letter  of complaint.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.   Introduce this unit with the questions,  "Did you ever
     buy something that did not meet your expectations? What
     was the cause of your dissatisfaction?  What can you do
     about it?  The focus of this discussion should be on
     helping the students begin to understand the decision
     making process and how the process process can help
     them become better consumers.
2.   Ask the students to list the steps that they follow
     when making a purchase, and write the steps on the
     chalkboard or overhead.
3.   Discuss the steps to decision making. Summarize the
     students' steps. Review and clarify.
4.   Discuss some options for action.  These may include:
     a.  local consumer help agencies
     b.  local television stations
     c.  Federal Trade Commission
     d.  local Post Office ( if the business uses the
         mail)
     e.  Better Business Bureau
     f.  Small Claims Court.
5.   Have the students identify problems for a product that
     they purchased.
6.   Have the students choose an option they think would be
     the best action for satisfying their complaint.
7.   Identify a problem with a legitimate product where the
     option would be to write a letter of complaint.
8.   Distribute a sample letter of complaint. showing:
     a.  Name, address, date
     b.  The facts; what was purchased, where, when, and
         how much.
     c.  The problem, and what you have already done
         about it.
     d.  The action that you want the company to take.
         (Be fair)
     e.  Copies of any documentation that substantiate
         your claim.
     f.  Keep a copy for your records.
9.   Either as a group, or as individuals, compose letters
     of complaint.  Mail the letter(s).  If the students do
     not get a response the discuss options for further
     action.