One of the best kept secrets from Capitol Hill is the enormous influence of local media on congressional decisions — not just cable news or The New York Times, but the local papers in the communities members of Congress represent. Over and over, we hear from members of Congress that a letter to the editor or an op-ed in their home district is what moved them into action.
Letters to the editor are quick to write, relatively easy to have published, and appear in the most widely read section of the paper, the editorial page. Politicians and government agencies routinely clip and circulate letters to the editor as an indicator of what is important to their constituents.
Be current, construct your letter using the EPIC format, and be clear and concise. Connect the dots between your community and our national and international poverty issues. If appropriate, mention members of Congress by name and be sure to include a call to action at the letter’s end.
Keep reading for more top tips on how to write a powerful letter to the editor and get published.
Letters to the editor are fundamental to media for advocacy. They are quick to write, and members of Congress read the letters in their local paper every single day.
RESULTS has created an easy format for our volunteers to use to create powerful “laser talks” – short and compelling talks, less than 2 minutes long, that end with a call to action. Laser talks are the backbone of our advocacy work.
RESULTS has created an easy format for our volunteers to use to create powerful “laser talks” – short and compelling talks, less than 2 minutes long, that end with a call to action. Laser talks are the backbone of our advocacy work.
RESULTS has created an easy format for our volunteers to use to create powerful “laser talks” – short and compelling talks, less than 2 minutes long, that end with a call to action. Laser talks are the backbone of our advocacy work.
Op-eds are opinion pieces that are usually published opposite the editorial page in a newspaper. They are written by columnists, leaders of organizations, public officials, and community members. This includes RESULTS advocates!
There’s even more to crafting an effective op-ed. Keep reading for more insight on how to write and pitch an op-ed.
An op-ed or commentary piece gives you more space to make your case. If you can land an op-ed with a clear call to action, your member of Congress is sure to see it.
RESULTS has created an easy format for our volunteers to use to create powerful “laser talks” – short and compelling talks, less than 2 minutes long, that end with a call to action. Laser talks are the backbone of our advocacy work.
RESULTS has created an easy format for our volunteers to use to create powerful “laser talks” – short and compelling talks, less than 2 minutes long, that end with a call to action. Laser talks are the backbone of our advocacy work.
RESULTS has created an easy format for our volunteers to use to create powerful “laser talks” – short and compelling talks, less than 2 minutes long, that end with a call to action. Laser talks are the backbone of our advocacy work.
Being persistent in fostering and building good working relationships with editorial and health writers is crucial to our success in generating editorials and articles. Good reporters and editorial writers are always looking for a fresh scoop to follow and a dependable source of information. Thoroughly research your “pitch,” a story idea that will get your editor or reporter as interested in your issue as you are. Typically, this means developing three or four talking points about your issue.
Our job is to provide them with current, accurate, up-to-the-minute information on our issues. But be sensitive in your communication with writers and editors, keeping in mind their busy schedules and deadlines. Then make your pitch! Direct contact in person is best, by phone is next best. If you reach voice mail, leave a message but don’t count on a return call; it is up to you to make the personal contact with your writer.
We have more to share about how to make an editorial or article happen in your paper. Read on!
Lots of other constituents are sure to see a local news article, giving you even more influence on Capitol Hill.
RESULTS has created an easy format for our volunteers to use to create powerful “laser talks” – short and compelling talks, less than 2 minutes long, that end with a call to action. Laser talks are the backbone of our advocacy work.
RESULTS has created an easy format for our volunteers to use to create powerful “laser talks” – short and compelling talks, less than 2 minutes long, that end with a call to action. Laser talks are the backbone of our advocacy work.
Take a look at this helpful explainer on how you can maximize the impact of your media by leveraging it in new ways.
Relationship is the backbone of advocacy. You are more likely to inspire action on RESULTS poverty issues when a congressional aide or journalist knows you! There are two types of journalists you might aim to connect with at your local newspapers. Opinion editors and editorial board members lead on opinion content. There are also news reporters who write stories on specific “beats” (topics). Coverage of RESULTS issues in the news or in opinion sections is helpful! See “Resources” to read more specifics about building these relationships.