Non Profits Getting Media Coverage: Consider Letters to the Editor

The letters-to-the-editor section is one of the most widely read sections of any newspaper. While letters to the editor are usually written in response to an article or editorial published earlier in the newspaper, they can also be used to raise subjects not normally covered by the newspaper.

1. Newspapers often cover nonprofit issues. If you see an article or opinion piece that presents a position opposite your group’s, write a letter to the editor respectfully disagreeing with the article and stating your organization’s position. If you don’t disagree but have a different perspective, that too can be the basis of a letter to the editor.

2. If there is no article to use as a starting point, write an opinion letter. Keep the letter simple by focusing on one or two points. The letter should express a definite opinion on the subject.

3. Call the newspaper and ask to speak to the letters-to-the-editor department. Ask how long the letter should be. Find out the name, fax number, email address, and mailing address of the person you should send it to. Many newspapers allow email submission of letters to the editor. Others require a signed hard copy. Many newspapers will include this information on the editorial page or elsewhere in the newspaper itself.

4. In the first paragraph of your letter, refer promptly to the article or position that you are writing about. Name the reporter who wrote the article (or the author of the letter to the editor) and the date and the title of the article. Then respectfully state why you disagree and proceed to give your position on that particular issue. Short and pitchy is better than long and rambling.

5. Send with a cover letter addressed to the appropriate editor. Attach your business card. Be sure to sign the letter with your name, title, the name of your organization and your contact information