Writing Letters to the Editor and Letters to Your Government Representatives

Many of us shy away from writing a Letter to the Editor and/or letters to our representatives, not because we don't have something to say, but because we don't know how to say what we want to say. However, each letter is important. Your representative wants to hear to from you. In fact, someplace I read that "they" assume that each letter represents the opinion of probably 50 other individuals. That makes every letter very important. So, write a letter.

The media also needs to hear from you. How will they know how they're doing without your input? If they're "off the mark" how will they change things if they aren't aware of either their mistakes...or that the reader cares? Letters to the editor are important.

Like something you read---let the news media know. Write a letter to the editor. Are you upset about something--let them know. Write a letter to the editor.
The same goes for your representatives. Write a letter. Remember the government is supposed to represent you. To do that, your representatives need to know what you think, and feel, and want. Write a letter.

Writing a letter (or sending email) really isn't so difficult. Here are some basic tips to make it easier.

Writing the media.
Most newspapers prefer that a letter to the editor be from 150-300 words. Letters to the editor that adhere to the publication's guidelines with regard to length will more likely get into the paper without extensive editing, so count your words! How? Count each three letter word and longer.

Focus on one issue in your letter so as not to confuse the reader. (Example: instead of covering a broad issue, write about a particular bill/event/current problem relating to the topic.)

Always, always, always be polite. When informing or encouraging a change of attitude or opinion treat your audience with respect. In a letter to the editor (or in a letter to your representative), there is no place for name calling, hysteria or preaching.

State facts, not suppositions in your letter. (It's important: to use correct dates, names, bill numbers, etc.) If you don't know these facts, look them up!
If possible, use one or two examples. "What might happen if..." or "The result of this was/will be..." Paint a picture in the reader's mind.

Write your letter to the editor when the topic is in the news, on people's mind, or otherwise a "hot" topic. Make the reader care.
Sign your name to your letter if you wish to be taken seriously.

Finally, reconcile yourself to the possibility that your masterpiece letter might be printed as sent, edited, or possibly ignored.

Writing Officials:
The above writing tips are basic for writing letters to the news media, but are also solid tips for writing public figures, organizations or your representatives. The following tips further define this type of letter.

Always be specific, informed, polite, firm, and brief.

When writing a representative, etc., it is important to express gratitude when the person or organization responds, even if they do not agree with you.
Make a point to write encouraging letters as well as negative ones, especially when your representative, etc., moves in a positive direction.

That's it. Now let's hear from you. Write a letter to the editor. Write your representative or senator or other public official.