Getting your message in front of thousands of readers by writing a letter to the editor is a great way to make an impact on a specific issue. It’s important to follow submission guidelines and to write compellingly. Compelling letters draw the reader in with startling facts, visceral descriptions and personal stories. They also frame an opinion or position and ask the reader to take action, for example:

It’s a good idea to cite your response to an article in a recent edition (name of newspaper, date). Doing so adds credibility and shows that you’re not just reacting to the same old news. Be sure to include your name and title, too. It lends credibility and helps prevent accusations of dishonesty. This is especially important if you’re a program director or other highly visible person whose interest in the subject matter should be apparent to readers.

A well-crafted letter can catch the attention of elected officials, business leaders and other community members. It can even help influence a decision by a public agency or corporation. However, it’s important to keep in mind that letters are opinions and don’t necessarily represent the views of the entire organization.