How to write letters to editors,
legislators or radio commentary

Writing for Public Commentary by Carl B. Russell

1. Why? Public opinion is the foundation for public policy, and sharing your opinions with the public is your most effective tool for shaping public debate. Public commentary is a great way to lend your support to an effort for social change. Human culture is a group enterprise. When enough people understand an issue, or believe in a cause, the group can begin to adjust its behavior. Participating in public discussion not only increases public awareness, but more importantly broadens and increases the activity of the process.

One of the difficult aspects of participating is becoming comfortable with your own personal contribution. Connect with the reasons why you feel the need to express yourself on this issue. You may not define these reasons within your commentary, but it is a good way to put your energy into focus. This is a way to validate your expression so that it is not presented as an excuse but as an answer to the questions, why speak?, and why you?

2. Who? Most of our training in the written medium is concentrated on knowing our audience. Public commentary is more like poetry than journalism. Letters to editors and radio commentary access broad interest groups. Letters to government officials and legislators have more specific audiences in individual circumstances, but these people are more interested in gauging public opinion than they are in being educated. Satisfy yourself with your presentation so that you feel good about your contribution to public discussion. To many of us, this is the most difficult part of the process, but it is the source of the greatest change. If we don't participate in public discussion as individuals, that discussion is narrow, or non-existent. Make it simple, don't try to convince anybody, just get it off your chest and into the mix.

3. What? It is important to remember that this is about opinion, not facts. If you concentrate too much on facts, you are asking someone to dismiss your contribution by disputing your source of information. Facts can also be confusing. Obviously, be factual, but use facts that are common knowledge, because most people will have their own interpretation of the facts.

Express your beliefs, or opinions, as such, and not as if they are facts, i.e., "I believe that Santa Claus does not exist," vs. "Santa Clause does not exist." Your opinions will be easier for other people to accept if you don't challenge theirs. Make a distinction between facts and opinions. It is also good practice to use statements like "I think (or believe) we should," instead of "We should."

It is good practice to use an example from current public discussion as a starting place. By referring to an article or another commentary, you can open a window that broadens your letter without having to use the space. It is also helpful when writing to legislators and editors to refer to positions that they have taken, drawing them into your discussion. By linking your commentary to others', you can draw people's attention to the public discussion, so that the focus is as much about contributing as it is about what is contributed.

4. How? Lighten up. Think about running into an old friend and shooting the breeze. You probably have a lot of opinions and in the right context you are comfortable expressing yourself. Emotionally or mentally put yourself into that place. Maybe you can recall some free flowing discussion you had at a social gathering. Most people will respond positively to another person's open expression, but most importantly, think about how good you feel when you know you've spoken your mind.

Keep it simple, and short if possible. First, get all your thoughts on paper and out of your head. Then like carving a sculpture, cut out the rough edges and highlight the smooth parts. If you can see several topics, narrow the focus, which will help your readers wrap their minds around your ideas and may give you a couple of letters.

Some newspapers have length limits, but it is important to make your opinion clear before you try to trim it down. Obliviously, letters to legislators can be as long as you want, but they receive many letters and you want to make sure that they don't get bored and "round file" yours.

5. Where? Letters to editors are featured in most regional and statewide newspapers. It is a good practice to contribute to a local paper for name recognition, encouraging others to participate in part because they know who you are. Sending your letter out to other newspapers will also help to spread your message. By choosing five or more editors you will run a better chance of having your letter printed. Some editors will fluctuate the amount of editorial space to accommodate more letters -- it's one of the most interesting sections in most newspapers. Addresses are usually provided within the paper or on the editorial page.

Choose legislators and government officials who have taken public positions on your issue. Certainly, anyone elected, or appointed, from your town or region would be a good target to engage in discussion. Legislative members of committees working on bills associated with your issue should be contacted. Sending copies of a letter to the editor to legislators is a good way to kill two birds with one stone. The legislative council at the Sate house can provide you with a list of names and addresses.

There are many radio call-in programs, featuring legislators, officials and experts, which offer excellent opportunities to express your opinion, and to broaden public discussion.

Organizational newsletters and advertisement weeklies often publish articles of public commentary as well.

Most of all, try to have fun. Try not to invest yourself too much in the outcome or response to your thoughts. Think of what the natural world would be like if birds didn't sing, or if wolves didn't howl, or if the elk didn't bugle. Make you own call and just contribute to the melody!

Carl B. Russell, Bethel, VT 234-5524

Additional Tips - - - -

Newspaper editors are delighted to receive commentaries via e-mail so they do not have to retype the information. Remember, any correspondence you send should be legible and preferably typed.

Be sure to include your name, phone number and the date on the submitted material.

Be sure to let the editor know up front if the information being submitted is time-sensitive.