Getting Started
1. Choose a topic you are passionate about. Some ideas include:
- Thanking a legislator for support on a recent bill
- Research funding
- Accessibility issues in your town
- Volunteer recognition
- Medicare wheelchair coverage
- Generic drugs
2. Before you write a letter to the editor, it is important to be well informed of the topic you wish to discuss. Read your paper or watch the news each day to stay on top of current events. Click here for resources on MS related topics.
3. Sign up for MS Action Alerts so that you are aware of what legislation is pending on a federal level. Being able to tie your topic to a current event increases the chances of it being published.
4. Contact:
Mireya Zapata
Regional Director, Activism & Long Term Services
512-340-2703
mireya.zapata@nmss.org
if you would like help drafting your letter to the editor.
Tips for a Successful Letter to the Editor
1. Use email to send your letter. This is the quickest way to get it seen and allows for timely publication. Find the newspapers email address on the editorial page. Be sure to include your full name, address and phone number on your submission.
2. Whenever possible, refer to a current news item (such as the name of a particular piece of legislation) or article (title and date published) in the first sentence of your letter. This makes your letter more relevant both to the editor and readers who may read your published letter.
3. Be brief. Letters should be no longer than 4 paragraphs of about 3 sentences each.
4. Write with passion, but be sure to back up your statements with facts.
5. Constructive criticisms of elected officials, community leaders and others are fine, but do not make personal attacks - comments such as these will not be published.
6. Be proud of your views on a topic. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number with your letter. Anonymous letters are rarely printed.
7. Follow the papers guidelines. Most papers list length restrictions or other requirements on the editorial page. Following the guidelines increases the chances that your letter will be published.
8. Never miss the chance to thank a public official, community leader or volunteer group for a job well done.
Once you Have Shared your Opinion
1. Watch the paper closely to see if your letter gets published.
2. If your letter has not been published within one week of submission, a brief reminder email to the editor is a good idea. See if there are plans to publish it or if there was a guideline you had not followed. These follow-up emails (or calls) can be very effective.
3. Once your letter has been published, please call or email Mireya Zapata Regional Director, Activism & Long Term Services 512-340-2703 or mireya.zapata@nmss.org. The Oklahoma Office is extremely proud of all volunteer and grassroots efforts, so we'd like the chance to recognize you for your hard work!