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Write a letter to the Editor
Why write 'em?
Letters to the editor are an important, basic activist tool. They can help you:
• Get your message out to a wide audience and the media
• Counter negative or inaccurate press about an issue
• Keep an issue alive
• Influence legislators (One advantage LTEs have over letters sent directly to decision makers is that they are public.)
• Educate, organize, and activate more people
Tips on writing effective letters
Good letters are:
• Short (200 words)
• Simple – they make ONE point
• Timely – they tie in with a hot issue that has been covered in the paper recently
• Passionate and personal (but reasoned)
• Funny
They also:
• Follow specific guidelines of the newspaper
• Include a clear call to action
• Use words that everyone can understand and that resonate with Alaskans
• Don’t assume readers know the issue, especially if it’s complex
• Name names - they thank the good guys and call out the bad guys
• Are addressed to the reader, not to third parties
• Are reviewed by another set of eyes for clarity
Troubleshooting
If your letter isn’t published:
• Re-check your letter and make sure it meets newspaper guidelines, makes sense, and is not irrational, libelous, etc. Have someone else critique it. Make sure you included your name, address, and a phone number where you’re actually reachable with your letter.
• Call the paper and ask politely why your letter hasn’t run. Make a pitch about why it’s timely and important.
• If 1 and 2 don’t do the trick within a few days, submit it to another paper or…
• Adapt it into a letter to a legislator or decision maker.
