Write a Letter to the Editor
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As you learn about nuclear weapons, you will no doubt form some opinions about what needs to be done to eliminate them. You shouldn't keep these opinions to yourself!
Why not write a letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine? This is not only one of many ways to make your views known to the public but can help to keep the issue "alive" via further comments. The letters page is one of the most read pages of a newspaper. Below are some tips to increase the chance that your letter will be published.
Steps
- Read a variety of newspapers and magazines to see if they're covering nuclear issues. Pick out any news stories, opinion pieces or other letters to the editor you find interesting.
- Is there anything about them that you disagree with? Is there any aspect of an issue, or any particular point of view, that isn't being adequately covered?
- Do some research, if necessary, and then start drafting a letter in response. You don't need to be an expert - sometimes posing a pointed question can be enough to ignite and prolong comment. It's a good idea to refer to the particular article at the beginning of your letter.
- Make sure all of your sentences make sense and are easy to read. Check your spelling. Short, snappy sentences work well. Read and re-read your letter until it's perfect. It should be less than 250 words (some papers specify less than 200 words).
- Ask yourself: Why would an editor choose to publish this letter and not the dozens of others he or she receives on any given day? Try to make your letter stand out.
- Submit your letter to the paper or magazine, ideally by midday of the day prior to publication.
- Be sure to include your full name, address and a contact phone number so the editor can verify that you're the author.
- If it doesn't get published, try to improve the letter and then send it off to another publication. Be persistent!
Sample letter
Dear Editor,
Re "Time to get serious about nukes" (editorial, January 1): I agree that the risk of nuclear destruction is frighteningly high. However, I reject your prediction that nuclear weapons won't be abolished in our lifetime.
We've already outlawed chemical weapons, biological weapons and anti-personnel landmines. Surely we can muster the political will to abolish the worst weapons of all? I believe that, together, we can generate an irresistible groundswell of popular support for abolition.
There are currently 26,000 nuclear weapons in the world today-that's 26,000 good reasons to join the movement.
John Smith, Melbourne
A good letter ...
- Opens with a reference to a news story or opinion piece, or explains what motivated you to write it
- Clearly states what your position on a particular issue is and why you take that position
- Uses statistics, quotes and emotive language to convey arguments that back up your position
- Makes appropriate use of humorous or poignant language to capture the reader's attention.
Variations
- Write an article for your school newsletter. This could contain your opinion about nuclear weapons and information on how you're working for a world without them.
- Comment on online news stories. Many people today read newspapers online rather than in print. Most online papers allow you to post comments on articles. This is a great new way to make your voice heard!
