Write to your Newspaper
Concerned citizens share an effective tool regarding the influence of public opinion – letters to the editor.
Newspapers and some electronic media reserve space alongside their own editorial comments for feedback from the public.
Typically, they print letters from citizens in proportion to the number and opinion, pro or con, on key issues. Make your voice heard in steadfast support of Everglades restoration by informing and expressing yourself to your local news media.
Write to your Daily Newspaper
- Put your Letter to the Editor (LTE) in the body/text of your e-mail. Do not send it as an attachment.
- Include your FULL NAME, ADDRESS, and DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER in the e-mail. (Only your name and city will be made public)
- If you plan to submit your LTE to several newspapers, send the LTE in separate e-mails to each newspaper.
Keys to a Successful Letter to the Editor (LTE):
- Keep it SHORT. Most papers won't print anything more than 300 words. Keep it under 300 words or two to three short paragraphs.
- Keep it SIMPLE. The best LTE's make one strong point. If you find yourself covering many topics in one LTE, use your other points as starting points for separate LTE's.
- Keep it RELEVANT. News editors like to print LTE's that relate to current events or specific articles and opinion pieces. If you're responding to a specific article or event, be sure to submit your LTE within a few days after the article was printed or event occurred. Include the date and headline of the article you're responding to. If it's an opinion piece you're responding to, include the date and name of the person who wrote the opinion piece.
- Keep it ENTERTAINING. Newspapers print LTE's that are entertaining to read because they share a powerful story or make a strong case, so make sure it's not boring or bland.
If an opinion piece or LTE that you have written is published about Everglades restoration, let us know about it. Send us a copy via e-mail at info@evergladesfoundation.org.
