This is an important time for your voice to be heard.
Here are some tips for writing letters to the editor followed by a list of e-mail addresses for submitting your letters to local and state-wide media outlets.

Write a letter to the editor, and speak your mind on any issue that causes you concern.

Many of you get mailings from MoveOn or other groups in which you simply fill in your name and press send... I have heard from various legislators and aides that those have little impact.
You can use those mass e-mails to provide the necessary information for your arguments, but take time to make your letter personal.

By writing a letter to the editor, you will get your message across to more readers as well as legislators, who have staff devoted to reading the editorials and letters pages.
You can also send a copy of your letter to the editor to your legislators to make sure that they see it and are aware that you live in their district.
~Diana

    Following a few simple steps will increase the odds that your letter will be published:

• Most newspapers will only print original letters. Use sample letters as a starting point for your own message.
• Letters with a personal angle are always compelling. Ask yourself how this issue affects you and your family.
• Keep it short. You should keep your letter under 200 words, arranged in at least two paragraphs. If your letter is too long, your most important point may be cut.
• Be timely. If you see an opportunity to respond to an article or opinion piece with a letter to the editor, write and submit your letter as soon as possible. What matters to the editor(s) this week, may not matter the next.
• Focus. The first sentence of your letter should explain why you are writing. Make it as easy as possible for the editorial staff to understand the purpose of your letter.
• Make your point. Following your opening sentence, the next sentence should state your issue/argument, correction, or additional information.
• Relate your letter to the newspaper's readers. Make it local.
• Use simple language. Easy-to-understand language is best and ensures that your message will not be misunderstood.
• Positive language works best. People like other people who are positive - - after all, you are writing to express your opinion and to persuade others to believe as you do.
• Avoid negative "insult" language. It is much more difficult to persuade people with a negative argument. By using negative language, the reader may feel insulted or irritated.
• Examples of negative words to avoid: anti-(issue), betray, collapse,consequences, corrupt, crisis, destroy, endanger, greed, impose,incompetent, liar, limit, permissive, radical, selfish, them, they,traitors, worry.
• Use your last (closing sentence) to make a strong statement.
• Always include your name and contact information. The easier it is for the editor(s) to contact you, the better your chances of having your letter published. Newspapers will not publish your phone numbers or e-mail address -- only your name, city and state.
• Following up your letter with a phone call to the newspaper will often increase your chances of getting yourletter printed.
• Proofread, check spelling, and proofread again. If you use a word processor, use the spell check and grammar check features. Ask a friend to look at the letter. Another pair of eyes can help you write a letter to the editor that gets published.