Make your voice heard
Communicate your message to a wide audience. Tips from Virginia Organizing1:
1 Be Timely. Newspapers rarely publish letters about topics that are not being covered in the news.
2 Assume Nothing. Give concise background info.
3 Make Specific References. Editors prefer to print letters that respond to a specific article.
4 Keep it Short. A short, focused letter is more likely to get published.
5 Keep it Focused.State your position as succinctly as possible.
6 Find a Local Angle.
7 Be Insightful. Readers want quick, insightful analogies and fresh, new perspectives.
8 Maintain Composure. Avoid personal attacks and focus instead on criticizing specific policies or ideas.
9 Provide Your Contact Info. Most newspapers will not publish your letter without this information, but when printed, will only include your name and city.
If it's relevant, Cc your legislator(s).
More advice on crafting a successful letter from Virginia Organizing
Sources
1. Speak out with Letters to the Editor, Virginia Organizing.