_Sample Letter to Elected Officials__
Sample Letter to Representatives, Senators or Committee Chairs.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[RE: Topic/Bill/Grievance/Complaint/Injury/Criticism/Ojbection of Action(s)/BLANK]
The Honorable_
(House of Representatives) or (United States Senate) or (Committees)
[Office Address of [Representative], [Senator], [Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman]]
Dear [[Representative], [Senator] or [Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman]] ____,
(In your first paragraph include personal information)
Example Text: I am very fortunate to have been provided with an excellent education that prepared me for the future. I currently have children in both elementary and middle school. Recently, I have become very concerned about legislative impact on education. As a parent yourself, I am sure that you share many of these concerns.
(Include facts)
Example Text: Research has shown that schools with strong school library media programs have better rates of success. For example, in Alaska it was found that schools with a full time librarian scored higher on standardized tests than schools with only part time librarians. These schools were able to have longer hours of operation, leading to higher rates of circulation, thus impacting student achievement. Similar findings have been made in many other states across our country.
(State what you are asking for)
Example Text: I ask that you support (Insert name of bill here). In supporting this bill funding will be provided that will support school library media programs. This is a very small price to invest in the futures of our nations children. All children should have the opportunity to achieve and develop skills necessary for the future. I believe that in supporting this bill you will impact the lives of countless children.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
[Your Name]
(You must provide a return address to contact. According to some sources)
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zipcode]
[Your E-mail] (Optional)
[Your Phone Number]
-—-
HELPFUL LINKS
News or Newspaper
Use their tools against them
https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/send-letter-editor-newspapers-your-state
Writing Tips
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/main
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/examples
Try to keep it relatively brief, sticking to the point will make your message clear.
To the Editor of [Name of publication or news source.]___.
Paragraph 1 (Include facts)/(Rebuttals)/(Quotations)/(Erroneous Reporting)
Paragraph 2 (State your opinion or argument)/(Requested action or coverage)/(Express concern in more detail)
[Appropriate Salutation],
(Signature)
[Your Name]
(Optional)
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zipcode]
[Your E-mail]
[Your Phone Number]
HELPFUL LINKS
Op-Ed
Use their tools against them
https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/send-letter-editor-newspapers-your-state
Writing Tips
https://commskit.duke.edu/writing-media/writing-effective-op-eds/
https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/hks-communications-program/files/new_seglin_how_to_write_an_oped_1_25_17_7.pdf
https://www.the-learning-agency.com/insights/write-an-op-ed
- Sumbit another anons work as your op-ed (Anons are Anon for a reason. Maybe they can't submit it themselves..)
- Ask for an examples for the relevent topics we have plenty of writefags, lawfags, newsfags… (I would assume.)
- Use FACTS if you are writing a FACT based article.
- If using fiction as a method of story telling be sure your message is clear, do not allow anyone to skew your message in a way you would not like.
- Many Papers accept Anonymous submitions for OP-ED articles.
- Do not limit your OP-ED to print outlets. (Reach out Blogger, Youtubers, Twitchers, Journalist, Independent Journalist)
- Use Social Media to get these same messages out if they will not do it for us.