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Home Ambassadors Network Current Ambassadors Action The Volunteer Archives Resources		Tips for Effective Advocacy: Write a Letter-to-the-Editor Writing a letter-to-the editor is an effective way of raising the University's profile as an important contributor to the health of the Commonwealth. You know the news in your local area, and can respond quickly to positive or negative coverage about UMass. We need you to spread the "good news" and to correct misinformation. Key opinion leaders, policy makers, and members of the community read the newspaper. A letter-to-the-editor adds your ideas to a broader public. If you want to bring a UMass-related issue to the attention of your friends, neighbors, and other UMass advocates, a letter-to-the-editor is one way to do it. If you want to show that you care about UMass, write a letter noting why UMass is worthy of support. Briefly state why UMass matters. If your MA state Representative, Senator, or the Governor, has supported the University, consider thanking your elected official in this public forum. If a positive story appears in your local media, write a letter showing your support of the coverage and pride in the University. Consider sending the author of the UMass-related article or editorial a letter in support of the coverage. If UMass is misrepresented, write to set the record straight. Write letters-to-the-editor or op-ed pieces. Follow these guidelines for the most effective media responses: 1. Submit responses promptly -- for daily newspapers within two to three days; for weekly papers within the week. E-mail is an effective way to communicate. 2. Review the editorial submissions policy. This is usually located on the editorial page. Each paper is different, so check to make sure you are following the guidelines. 3. Keep communications concise -- 100 words or less. 4. Use short familiar words. Use short sentences and paragraphs. 5. Proofread, edit, and manually spell-check your submission before you e-mail or snail mail it. Presentation matters. 6. Editors retain the right to edit your letters. They will use that right. 7. Remember to include your name, mailing address, and telephone number. If your letter does not contain this information, it will not be published. 8. Editors will not publish unsigned letters and will verify your information, either by telephone or via email. Sample Letter This letter was written in November 2003 to The Boston Globe by UMass Advocate, Anne Manning of Wellsley, MA. This letter is reproduced with permission. Dear Editor: I continue to be frustrated by the Boston press - particularly with the Boston Globe as I read your paper regularly. Today, the headline to boston.com and both headlines in the college sports online section are about Boston College. You would never know that UMass has an 8-1 record going into their football game today and that this is one of their best records in UMass history. The Globe must also be unaware that there are over 250,000 UMass alums in Massachusetts who would like very much to read about their own institution rather than BC who is having an average season and is watching their bowl dreams fade away. Please give attention where attention is due. From UMass web site: MINUTEMEN CONTINUE FAST START: UMass has started the 2003 season with an 8-1 record, its best mark through nine games since 1990. This season marks just the seventh time UMass has recorded eight wins in its first nine games as it has started 8-0-1 two times (1963, 1990), and 8-1 on five occasions (1901, 1964, 1975, 1977, 2003). In addition, the Minutemen are 6-0 in Atlantic 10 games so far this year, their best start in league play since the 1990 team, under the direction of then head coach Jim Reid, began Yankee Conference play with seven straight conference wins. Anne B. Manning 321 Minuteman Way Metacomet, MA 01234 781-555-1234 If you have questions or need assistance, contact Advocacy Programs at 413-545-2560. Remember to "Close the Loop" and send us a copy of your letter. Thank you for your UMass advocacy!
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