WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A letter to the editor is an effective method of delivering the Democratic message and an excellent vehicle for rapid response. Guidelines for submission are typically published. Abide by their rules of style and etiquette. Generally you can say what you really feel.

Read letters to the editor to identify like-minded activists and enlist them in your cause.

Writing Guide:  A good letter to the editor is like a three-act play. Set the stage in your first paragraph. Then lay out the evidence to support your point in a clear and concise manner. Finally, make your point based on the information you have outlined:

• Write Tight: Keep it economical—two to four paragraphs with one or two sentences per paragraph. Explain your inspiration for writing the letter or column then make your point. Do not worry about winning the Pulitzer Prize. Simply write the way you talk.
• Stick to the Facts: Be prepared. Make your case with solid information and facts. Use your talking points or newspaper stories you’ve clipped or pulled from the Internet as a background resource or primer for letters and columns.
• Use Examples: Examples of Democratic issues are the $6,000 teacher pay raise and state health insurance plan for teachers, health care coverage for 600,000 uninsured children, and a prescription drug assistance program for seniors. Examples of failed Republican leadership are the insurance crisis and poor fiscal management that allowed a record state budget surplus to become a record state deficit.
• Stay on message: Do not get sidetracked. Stick to your central message and theme.
• Be Confident: Write it with pride, but don’t let your emotions distract from your point.
• Be Cool: Even though you might not agree, respect the rights of others to express their opinions.

Message Components

Themes: A theme is a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a campaign. Themes are typically set by the campaign. A few examples are, but not limited to: Public Service, Better Government, Open Government, Putting People First, The New Deal, The New Frontier, Leave No Child Behind, Opportunity for All, A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats, Keep Hope Alive, and Turn Texas Blue.

Issues: An issue is a matter of public concern and the list of Democratic issues is extensive. A few examples are, but not limited to: Protecting Social Security, Protecting the Right to Privacy in our Homes, Public Education, Health Care Accessibility, Choice, Equal Rights, Environment, Free Speech, Jobs, Living Wages, Investing in Public Education, and Giving Patients the Right to Choose a Doctor.

Values: Democrats support principles, ideals, standards, and qualities considered worthwhile, and policies that honor parents, nurture children, and provide opportunity for every responsible individual. A few examples are Freedom, Opportunity, Prosperity, Community, Service, Cooperation, Trust, Honesty, Empathy, Responsibility and the Strength to Carry out that Responsibility, Protection; Fairness, Fulfillment in Life, and Open Communication.