JULY/AUGUST PROJECT: Get Your Letter to the Editor Printed in Your Local Newspaper

Missed the call? No problem, you can catch up on-line. Listen in and learn more about this month's project.

Host

• Erica Tafoya, Citizens for Global Solutions
• Rich Stazinski, Citizens for Global Solutions

• Mark Malan, Peacebuilding Program Officer, Refugees International
• Saul Mendlovitz, Dag Hammarskjold Professor, Rutgers University Law School - Newark

Audio Clips of the Call:

Audio Tracks:

1 - Welcome

2 - CGS Engagement Efforts

3 - May/June Partners Update

4 - Introduction of Mark Malan, Refugees International

5 - U.N. Peacekeeping Q & A with Mark Malan (Part I)

6 - U.N. Peacekeeping Q & A with Mark Malan (Part II)

7 - U.N. Peacekeeping Q & A with Mark Malan (Part III)

8 - Introduction of Saul Mendlovitz, Rutgers Law School Professor

9 - UNEPS by Saul Mendlovitz (Part I)

10 - UNEPS by Saul Mendlovitz (Part II)

11 - July/August Partners' Project

Get Your Letter to the Editor Printed in Your Local Newspaper

Letters to the Editor (LTEs)

The Letters to the Editor (LTEs) sections in newspapers provide a forum to voice your opinion and send a message to your community and its leaders. They are sent to publications to raise concern about an issue and are often in response to previously published articles or current issues.

LTEs are generally about 250 words or less, and are a great way to begin press activism.

July/August Partners' Project

During the months of July and August, while you’re busy lobbying your leaders on the issues that matter to you, we encourage you to also write a Letter to the Editor. Don't worry if you're strapped for time, or have never written an LTE before. We've made this process super quick and easy.

Simply find the issue(s) you're interested in and follow the instructions below to send our sample LTE(s) to your local newspaper. Do this all at the click of your mouse! And if you'd rather write your own LTE, simply insert your own language when prompted.

Send a letter now!

Helpful Hints for Writing Your Own LTE

1. Planning
   
   
   1. Pick one point or topic to discuss.
      
      
   2. Review previously published letters and identify any similarities.
      
      
   3. Research the publication's audience and write your letter accordingly.
      
      
2. Writing Rules
   
   
   1. Comment on a recently published article in the publication.
      
      
   2. Use facts and evidence to support your point.
      
      
   3. Keep it clear, succinct and memorable. LTEs are short, so get straight to the point.
      
      
   4. Follow instructions. Consult the newspaper’s specifications on publishing a letter to the editor. For example, word limit, author information, format, etc. Always include your name, signature, address, and telephone number.
      
      
   5. Connect your article to current events. Putting your letter in the perspective of today’s world makes your letter relevant.
      
      
   6. Use a unique angle. Newspapers normally receive hundreds of letters on the same subject and are more likely to use a letter that stands out and has a refreshing perspective.
      

Send a Letter to the Editor

• On Curbing Climate Change: Backing Climate Rhetoric with Leadership
• On Ending "Oil Aid" Abroad: Time to Put a Stop to Oil Aid
  
• On Supporting Global Peacekeeping: It's Time We Pay Our Bills
• On Establishing an Emergency Peace Service at the U.N.: Time for a United Nations Emergency Peace Service
• On Ratifying the Law of the Sea Treaty: Time to Ratify Law of the Sea