Letters to the Editor
Conservation Action From Your Desk
Once
you have learned about issues affecting migratory birds and have
identified some of particular interest to you, you can start making a
difference by writing letters to the editors of local newspapers. You
can multiply your efforts by establishing letter-writing networks and
telephone trees among your friends.
Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor
The letters-to-the-editor section of your local newspaper presents
an ideal forum for getting your message to its readers, be they local
citizens or members of your congressional delegation. More people read
the letters to the editor section than any other part of the paper
(except the comics, of course). Here are a few guidelines for getting
your letter to the editor printed:
- Keep your letter short and to the point—250 words maximum. Writing on behalf of an organization gives your letter more weight.
- Avoid rambling sentences and big words
- Type the letter—double-spaced, one page maximum. Limit the number of points you make, and stay on the same subject.
- Be as factual as possible without being dull.
- Localize your letter—explain how the issue will affect your area. Accentuate the positive. When you criticize, propose alternatives or solutions to the problem.
Your letter stands the best chance of being printed when it responds to something recently printed in that publication—a news story, column, editorial, advertisement, or other letter. You can use the reference to the first item as a springboard for stating your case. Your letter can support and expand on news items, make a point that was omitted, or disagree with and correct misinformation in whatever form it appeared.
And don't be afraid to ask for action—tell readers, including your senators and representatives, what you want them to do. You get their attention by putting their names in the letter and asking for action.