Letters to the editor are another great way to raise awareness in your community about the issue at hand and to let people know how they can advocate for change. The key to getting your letter printed is to make it relevant to your local community, whether that means letting readers know about local lobbying visits or asking your paper’s editor to run more stories on a specific issue.

Here are a few more tips for getting your letter published:

• Keep it short. Most letters to the editor run no more than 150 – 200 words.
• Keep it focused. Unlike editorials, letters to the editor only allow space to make one or two key points. Focus on what you think is the most important thing for people in your community to know about the issue and what they can do to help.
• Make it relevant. Respond to coverage the publication has already done. If possible, praise the publication when it provides good reporting on these issues. Publications are less likely to print letters that do not pertain to their coverage.
• Don’t forget to include your contact information!