Letters to the editor are a newspaper's way of getting feedback from its readers. While they may only be able to publish a few of the letters they receive, editors are influenced by the volume of mail they get on a given topic. An article or editorial to which readers respond is more likely to be followed up with future pieces.
1. Respond to a recent news story or editorial. A good letter might begin, "Your article on the anti-war movement ("New Movement Builds Against War" Dec. 4) was excellent. Readers might also want to know that the current legislation in the House (H.R. 808) on the Departmetn of Peace is seeking to not just a deterrent to war, but will work to cultivate a deep and lasting solutions to violence at all levels of society, both domestically and internationally...."
2. Make your letter short and legible (most will not accept over 200 words). It should contain a few striking facts that might surprise an editor or a reader. (The United States spends $400 billion a year on the military, but almost nothing on sound psychological principles of conflict resolution in international and domestic affairs, both of which could go far to end the beginnings of violence.) You might also reference one of our statistics on violence .
3. Use descriptive words which communicate how passionately you feel about the issue. Don't be dry. ("I am concerned for my children and all the children of the world, that will inherit our troublesome relationships. We must begin to look at our social and political structures and how they promote things that will do nothing to bring forth deep and lasting peace for the coming generations.")
4. Include your address, home and work phone numbers, and e-mail address.
Talking Points: Click here for talking points you can use, in your own words, to write.
