Write a letter to the editor (LTE) 

Letters to the editor allow individuals, or people representing a group, to add perspective or information about key topics, including policy issues and events. When someone speaks on behalf of the League, you are providing a voice from a group that is often trusted as a steady, fair and sensible organization.  Lawmakers and other officials usually care deeply about how they are perceived and pay close attention to what is in the local paper.

In addition they help us advance our organization. Sharing that the organization is active and promoting our work can bring in new supporters; spreading our position can influence the debate that may occur; building our following allows us a bigger platform to engage more people when we hold local events. Knowing that we are active and planning to promote our views can cause local elected officials to become more engaged in meetings and events. 

How: Write a short (150-250 word) “essay” stating a perspective or making a point about a key issue.  A letter should include the following: 

  • The main point (“Gerrymandering hurts our community”. “Voting should be more convenient and accessible.” “Our local State Representative has introduced an important bill”.) 

  • Why it is of general/public interest. (“Inequitable education funding affects all of us, not just the kids getting an inadequate education” “Sustainable energy development will result in cleaner air for everyone”)

  • Some kind of example, statistic or personal point. (X% of PA children go to an underfunded school.” “In states with early voting, voter participation is about X% higher”). 

  • What you want people to do. (Follow the school funding lawsuit; contact their local legislators about supporting early voting options; vote in local elections; attend a forum …). Even if you are just asking people to think more about this (“it is easy to ignore these issues; we urge more people to pay attention to what is happening in Harrisburg”) it helps to make a specific suggestion. 

  • Be respectful, even if you need to be firm or suggest that an action was wrong. (We think Rep X has taken the wrong position, and should commit to support the use of ballot drop boxes). 

To submit it, look at the local paper’s website and look for “how to submit a letter to the editor”.  Send an email with your submission and include your affiliation (the League!) and contact information. Not all letters will be printed, but don’t get discouraged - keep submitting. When one is published, send the link to ed@palwv.org so we can add the letters to our social media and share the great work you are doing! 

This is an easy and important way to support and promote our priorities and help publicize the good work of the League.  

Give it a go! 

Helpful Tools

For more: the “Community Toolbox” at the University Kansas has a LTE resource page.

Here are a few helpful tips for getting your letters accepted by the editor:

  • Keep your letter under 300 words. Editors have limited space for printing letters, and some papers have stated policies regarding length (check the editorial page for this).

  • Make sure your most important points are stated in the first paragraph. Editors may need to cut parts of your letter and they usually do so from the bottom up.

  • Refer to a recent event in your community or to a recent article – make a connection and make it relevant.

  • Use local statistics and personal stories to better illustrate your point.

  • Make sure you include your title as well as your name – it adds credibility, especially if it's relevant to the topic being discussed. If you are a program director, your title may lend credibility to the letter.

Including your title is also important to showing that you’re not trying to hide your interest in the topic. If you’re a program director and you don’t mention that in your letter, there may be a letter the next day accusing you of dishonesty for not revealing it.

  • Editors may want to contact you, so include your phone number and e-mail address.

Example of League LTE