Write a Letter to the Editor

Make sure your voice is heard.

Did you know that the "Letters to the Editor" column is one of the most widely read sections of a newspaper? It's true. While some people may flip past the opinions of the community, many others are reading -- carefully.

Not only does the public turn to this section of the paper to get a sense of what concerns their neighbors, but local politicians and community leaders read the letters to the editor with a keen eye toward gauging public opinion. All of this makes the letters column one of the most effective public forums for making your voice heard.

A letter to the editor may simply be a means of showing people in your community that you share their values and concerns, or it may spark a grassroots effort to take action on a topic you care about. Is the fare provided by the local school lunch program no healthier than junk food? A letter to the editor could be a great way to educate others about the problem. Does the city council consistently ignore a growing pothole problem in your town? A letter to the editor may get more politicians to take notice. Does the local newspaper always exclude your neighborhood's special events? Raise awareness among the community and at the newspaper itself.

Your voice has power. Airing a grievance, bringing up a new issue, or addressing a point made in a newspaper article are all ways of engaging with your community and taking action about a cause you feel deserves more attention. Here's how.

• When writing a letter to the editor, pay careful attention to the guidelines established by the newspaper. Papers often have strict length limits and specific addresses to which you should send or e-mail your letter for consideration.
  
  
• If you are referencing an article published in the newspaper, be sure to include the date of publication and the author.
  
  
• Get your best points in right away. This way, your letter will have immediate impact and will stand a better chance of catching the editor's eye.
  
  
• Don't be mean or make personal attacks. A letter to the editor is an opportunity to be constructive about a problem, not to indulge in character assassination!
  
  
• Spell check, grammar check, and let someone else read your letter before you submit it.
  
  
• Include your name (your real one!), address, and telephone number. The editor will probably contact you before publishing your letter.

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