Letter To The Editor Toolkit
Writing a letter to the editor for publication in your local newspaper is an excellent way to encourage lawmakers and members of your community to support policies that help animals live better lives. Letters can reach large audiences and capture the attention of your elected officials, neighbors and other animal advocates.
We’ve compiled tips and tricks to help you draft your first letter to the editor.
Tricks for Planning a Letter to Your Editor
- Pick a Topic! Browse our Advocacy Center for a list of actionable local, state and federal animal welfare topics that need your voice.
- Think of your letter like a short story. It should have a beginning, middle and end.
BEGINNING
State your ask and reasoning in the first sentence of your letter. Your opening sentence should clearly convey your position. Example: “Congress must pass Goldie’s Act to reduce the suffering of dogs and puppies in puppy mills.”
MIDDLE
Describe the issue and provide compelling facts to support your position. Grab your reader’s attention by including a personal story demonstrating how the issue impacts you.
END
Restate your position and repeat your main ask. Example: “I urge my legislator, [Title, First Name, Last Name], to support [Bill Name and Number] to protect vulnerable dogs and puppies.”
10 Tips for Writing Your Letter
Check the length requirement.
Most publications require letters to be between 200 and 300 words, so it’s best to keep your letter short and focused on your key points. Find out your publication’s word or character count before you begin.Include the bill’s full name and number (if applicable).
Every bill is assigned a unique number when it is introduced. These numbers are prefixed with letters indicating which chamber introduced the bill, like "H.R." for House bills, “A.” for Assembly bills and "S." for Senate bills. The prefix is followed by a number indicating its order of introduction. Example: Goldie’s Act is H.R. 349 in the U.S. House of Representatives.Choose a theme.
It can be challenging to capture everything you want to write within the word limit. Keep your letter concise by limiting it to one strong aspect of the issue.Include your personal story or expertise.
Including your personal story or professional expertise can strengthen your letter and grab the publication’s attention. Explain why this issue is important to you and how it has or will impact the whole community.Mention your legislators by name.
Most policymakers monitor news outlets in which their names are likely to appear. Mention your legislators by name to ensure they see your letter.Make connections.
If possible, reference an article that recently appeared in the paper to increase your chances publication, even if the connection is tenuous. Reference the date and title of the article you are responding to (if applicable).Take advantage of trends and themes.
Increase the relevance of your letter by linking it to official or unofficial holidays or seasonal connections. Examples: “It’s National Dog Day” or “It’s summer — people are spending more time outside with their pets.”Mind your manners.
Please avoid inflammatory language, insults or accusatory statements.Check your facts.
Check and double-check your facts so your letter is honest and informed. If you’re writing about a policy or topic the ASPCA is involved with, contact [email protected] for more information about your topic or a quick review!Ask questions.
Email [email protected] if you have questions or need examples for your letter.
It’s time to write your letter! Thank you for lending your voice to vulnerable animals.
Resource: A real example of a letter to the editor
Looking for other ways to get involved? Join one of our Advocacy Volunteer Teams to continue making a difference for animals in your community and beyond.
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