Write a Letter to the Editor
Letters to the editor affect public opinion, educate readers on an issue, and influence public officials. They can help raise awareness about breast cancer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure's mission among elected officials, stakeholders, and the public.
Remember these simple points:
- Keep it short. Check with your newspaper's editorial department on the word limit requirements. Keeping it short also means your important points won't be left out.
- Be clear. Stick to one very clear point.
- Substantiate. Support your position with facts.
- Personalize. Write about your own experience - tell why you care about the NBCCEDP.
- Make it local. Tell how this issue affects your local community.
- Be polite!
- Sign it. Include your name, address and telephone number. Don't forget to sign and date your letter and include your phone number. Many papers will call and confirm the author before printing the letter.
- Cite references. If possible, reference a recent news article from your local paper. While it is not necessary, it helps if you are responding to a particular story in the paper. Include the headline and date in the first or second sentence of your letter.
LTEs tell the newspaper editor that your issues are important and should be covered. An LTE campaign can pave the way for an opinion-editorial placement on your issue.
Organize your Affiliate to have your volunteers and other constituents send LTEs on the NBCCEDP to local papers.