Want to say something about an environmental issue? Write a Letter to Editor! It is an easy way to express your opinions and share your ideas with the local community.

To maximize the chance of getting published, Sierra Club crafted a simple guideline based on our experience working with the media. Feel free to use it. Please contact Natalie Fox at 614.461.0734 x301 to let her know when and where your letter gets published so we can post it to our website.

How to write a Letter to Editor

  • Keep it brief
      Less than 200 words. Focus your letter on one point and don’t bring up other issues in your writing. Stick to your point.  Do not repeat your opponent’s arguments or take the myth/fact approach.  Restating a contrary position only serves to put it in print once again.
  • Make it local and original
      Newspapers care about what affects the people who buy their newspapers.
  • Make it timely
      Relate your letter to an article or issue that has been printed recently.
  • Include your contact information:
      Full name, address, phone number, email
  • Follow up
      Make sure to call the newspaper and ask if they received your letter (this will increase the chances of them printing your letter!) Show how your issue will have a local impact, or how it will affect you or  your family. Do not copy talking points or materials verbatim. Use your own voice and story.

Published LTEs:

 

Ridership shows need for transit options

Ashley Hilyard, Columbus Dispatch, Mar. 30, 2012

Some towns recognize toll of gas from shale

Gerry Kraus, Cincinnati.com, Feb. 28, 2012

Effects of fracking are cause for concern

Amy Francis, Cincinnati.com, Feb. 28, 2012

High Street needs more bicycle lanes

Jamie Wilson, Columbus Dispatch, Oct. 21, 2011

City bike shelters are a little premature

Laura Lonski, Columbus Dispatch, Nov. 9, 2011

Pipeline could foul Ohio State’s wetlands

Kevin Howells, Columbus Dispatch, November 6, 2011

Positive tales about natural gas fracking just don’t seem to exist

Rachel Hyden, The Athens News, September 28, 2011

Better Public Transportation Would Help Ohio Retain Young People

Morgan Veach, Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 11, 2011

COTA Riders Should Embrace Hybrids

David Donofrio, Columbus Dispatch, July 6, 2011

Fracking has no legal barriers

Elise McMath, The Athens News, Jul. 4, 2011

If you’re a rural landowner, please educate yourself about ‘fracking’

Cate Matisi, The Athens News, Jun. 29, 2011

Dump the Pump

Jamie Wilson, Columbus Dispatch, June 24, 2011

County Must Keep its Waterways Clean

Sarah Prunty, Columbus Dispatch, June 22, 2011

State must rein in corporate farms

Margaret Cunningham, Columbus Dispatch, Dec. 02, 2010

Kasich should reverse course on plans for high-speed rail

Karen Kindel, Canton Rep, Nov. 30, 2010

State must ensure water quality

Anthony Szilagye, Toledo Blade, Sept. 09, 2010

Reduce agricultural runoff, protect lakes

Laurel Hopwood, Cleveland Live, Sept. 08, 2010

Residents could help to test water quality

Yand Xing, Columbus Dispatch, Aug. 15, 2010

City, public must take overflows seriously

Alex Thomas, Columbus Dispatch, Jul. 08, 2010


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