WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Have you got an opinion? Then share it - and inspire others to take action!

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper can be an effective way of sharing your views, and encouraging others to take positive steps to support issues that are important to you.

If you think your letter won't be read by anyone who matters, think again! Political leaders, government employees, and the staff of charitable organizations actually read newspaper editorial sections (where letters to the editor are printed), to check out what local citizens think about various issues.

Letters to the editor can also raise awareness of an issue with reporters, who might then pursue the issue with a more in-depth article focusing on your issue.

People just like you will read the letter, too. If even one does something positive because of what you wrote, that's one more person helping to make a difference.

Writing a letter to the editor is a way that you can inspire others to take action and make a difference in countless ways!

So when you read about an issue that moves you, hear your neighbors talking about an event that concerns you, or see a story on TV that makes you want to get involved, don't just sit there. Writing a letter to the editor gives you a chance to inspire action in total strangers. That action could help to improve your community, bring aid to people who need it, or even save lives!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

Writing a good letter is super-important. After all, to get your message out, you need to craft a letter that has a chance to be published. Newspapers receive many more letters than they have room to publish. So how can you make sure your letter is picked? Follow these guidelines:

Choose an issue.

The newspaper is filled each day with potential topics for your letter. Just pick something that inspires you to share your opinion, and your suggestion for action, with an audience.

Keep it short.

Write your letter, then go back and edit it. Take out anything that doesn't need to be there to make your point, or that's repetitive. Shorter letters are more likely to be printed, since there's a limited amount of space on the editorial page, and papers like to print a variety of views.

Make ONE point.

Sure, you're concerned about lots of issues - but your letter needs to focus on ONE only. More than that, and the point gets lost. Focus on making a great case for your biggest concern. If you feel strongly about more than one issue, you can write a separate letter for each.

Check for templates.

Some newspaper websites provide tips on writing letters for their editorial page. Check to see if yours does, and follow their guidelines. That way, you strengthen your chances of seeing your letter in print and of inspiring others to take action on your issue. And you can still say whatever you need to say, within their template.

Check spelling and grammar.

This one is easy. Type up your letter and run spelling and grammar checks.

Sign it.

Editorial pages don't print "anonymous" letters. Provide your full (first and last) name. Give them your phone number and address too, if that's in their guidelines - they won't share these with anyone, but may call you to confirm that you're the writer of the letter. (In the body of your letter, however, do be sure to leave out personal location details - such as the name of your school, or the name of your mom's employer - to protect your privacy).

Send your letter to the editor.

You can send your letter by email, fax or standard mail. Check the newspaper's editorial page or website for their preferred method.

Don't worry if it's not published. Even if your letter isn't published, you didn't write it in vain. Someone did read it. And what matters most is that you took the time to express yourself. That is a powerful thing. Write another letter whenever your conscience tells you to act again.