Write a letter to the editor

Newspapers, especially local newspapers, are an ideal forum for reaching a broad audience that will understand your views or at least hear you out. Many people read letters to the editor precisely to get a local reaction to a big story, or to find views that are not necessarily in normal coverage. Your lawmakers, in particular, place a high importance on reading local newspapers to find out their constituents' thoughts and concerns.

Keep it short

Make sure your letter is brief (no more than 150 words) and that it makes only one point in clear, plain English. A short, well-written letter is much more likely to be published than a long one. The shorter and punchier the letter, the better your chances of publication.

Be neat

Double-space your letter for easy reading. Use proper punctuation and capitalization, NOT ALL CAPS LIKE THIS.

To increase the likelihood of publication, send your letter via e-mail. This saves the newspaper the effort of re-typing your letter.

If you must submit your letter on paper, type it or print neatly on 81/2 × 11 paper.

Find newspaper e-mail addresses at the top right of the Activist Toolkit page.

Keep it relevant

Make sure your letter is about a recent development in the news, especially something your newspaper covered.

For example: "Your editorial about the Pledge of Allegiance ('Schools Don't Need This,' Aug. 23) overlooked some important historical facts."

Back up your argument

Use two or three solid facts and figures to back up your claim. Do not use emotions to justify your argument. If you appear authoritative and rational, your letter is more likely to be published and more likely to convince the public.

Find useful facts and talking points on the MyHeritage.org issues page.

Include your contact information

Be sure to include your e-mail address and a daytime phone number so the newspaper can contact you to verify that you are the author.

Keep 'em coming

Write often and your views might get noticed. Especially in larger areas, you might have to write several times before you're published.

Convince your friends to submit letters as well. Even if one of you is rejected, if there are more letters one of them might get through. But make sure you use different letters—many letter-writing campaigns have been discredited when it came out that it was one group, and not individuals, writing the material.

If others see your letters in the paper, they might be encouraged to speak out as well—and changing the debate like that is the point.