A Guide on How To Write a letter to the Editor
How to Write a Letter to the Editor Writing a letter to the editor is a good place to start when you want to reach out to the media.
A letter to the editor can be used to:
· Change Behavior
· Deliver a Message
· Set the Record Straight
· Impact Policy/Legislation
· Generate Coverage of an Issue
Tips for writing a letter to the editor:
· Editors cut from the bottom, so put your main point up top.
· Refute or support specific statements; address relevant facts that are ignored.
· Support your facts but keep it concise.
· Make it pointed and punchy.
Steps to write a letter to the editor about an ISSUE:
1. Choose ONE ISSUE for you letter.
Example: Fight stigma associated with mental illness and promote mental health awareness
2. Write a sentence or two identifying your organization and/or interest in the issue and states the purpose of the letter.
Example: As a family member of someone with mental illness, stomping stigma associated with mental illness and promoting public awareness around mental illness is vital.
3. Write one or two sentences of background information.
Example: For too long, mental illness has been horribly misunderstood as the public image presents mental illness in a fearful and dangerous light. Yet, mental illness is a disease, like any other disease. Mental illness is treatable, and there are many, many success stories of people surviving with mental illness and living healthy and fulfilling lives.
4. Write one or two sentences on your opinion
Example: Write a sentence or two about your story if you feel comfortable. The public must reverse its misconceptions and understand these facts. People with mental illness and their families deserve to live in a society where they are respected and dignified, not in a society where they are feared, judged, and misunderstood.
5. In one or two sentences, offer a solution and encourage readers, policy makers, etc. to take a specific action (i.e., contacting an elected official, voting a certain way, etc.)
Example: The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Massachusetts (NAMI-MASS) is taking valuable steps towards reversing the stigma and promoting awareness through its mental health walk also known as NAMI Walks Boston. You can help stomp out the stigma and celebrate mental health by joining its members and supporters when they walk on May 14th at (time) in Artisani Park in Brighton.
6. Assemble these paragraphs to form the letter.
7. Type the letter.
8. Address it “Dear Editor”
9. Add your full name and contact information (phone, address, and email) to the end of your letter.
10. Proofread it.
11. Use the media lists that are in the packet to find your local paper and its contact information.
12. Email, mail, or fax the letter to contact person listed. If you email the letter, put the letter directly in the text of the email as attachments are discouraged.
13. Wait to see if your letter gets printed.
Here is a sample general letter to the editor format.
Today’s Date
RE:
Dear Editor:
As a family member of someone with mental illness, stomping stigma associated with mental illness and promoting public awareness around mental illness is vital to me. For too long, mental illness has been horribly misunderstood as the public image presents mental illness in a fearful and dangerous light. Yet, mental illness is a disease, like any other disease. It is treatable, and there are many, many success stories of people surviving with mental illness and living healthy and fulfilling lives. [Write a sentence or two about your story if you feel comfortable.] The public must reverse its misconceptions and understand these facts. People with mental illness and their families deserve to live in a society where they are respected and dignified, not in a society where they are feared, judged, and misunderstood. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Massachusetts (NAMI-MASS) is taking valuable steps towards reversing the stigma and promoting awareness through its mental health walk also known as NAMI Walks Boston. You can help stomp out the stigma and celebrate mental health by joining its members and supporters when they walk on May 14th at 9 am in Artisani Park in Brighton.
Your Name
Phone Number
