How to Write a Letter to the Editor

It's more productive than a Facebook rant.

Pick Your Newspaper if you want to influence a specific decision maker, choose a paper they read. A local or regional print publication is a good bet.

Get to the Point Make one point in your letter, and make it well. Keep it between 150 and 200 words.

Make It Personal Tell your climate story to emphasize why you care. Include no more than the one fact needed to support your main point.

Don't Hold Back Tell readers what you want to get done or them to do. Be precise and aggressive.

But Don't Be Too Aggressive Do not attack individuals or groups of people. Stick to your point.

Find a Proofreader Before submitting your letter, have a friend or trusted colleague read it for clarity and errors.