Make it a point to read the Daily Texan, Austin American-Statesman
and other media. Keep on top of what's in the paper, and use it as an excuse
to make your voice heard. For example, anytime an animal-related issue is
in the paper, Students Against Cruelty to Animals floods the paper with letters
to the editor. Often, they have three or four printed in a single issue.
Some people dismiss letter writing as a waste of time. The mentality
is that it is not "revolutionary" or "radical" enough.
Letter writing should be looked at as a campaign tactic. A revolution may
not come through writing letters alone, but it won't come through direct action
alone, either. For every letter you have published in the paper, you keep
your issue at the front of people's minds. It makes people realize your group
is out there fighting. Also, every publication is kind of a small victory,
and it keeps momentum going in the group. The bottom line is that if you are
willing to organize a protest, or get arrested, or fight the cops, you can
write a stinkin' letter once in a while.
Here are some tips for writing letters to the editor:
-
Be brief! Sometimes one short paragraph is enough. Firing
Lines for the
Daily Texan have to be under 250 words, but try to
make it even shorter: there's a better chance it will get in, and better
chance people will get a clear message from it. Include your name, major,
classification, and your student organization (if you want to make it look
more formal). Guidelines for firing lines are on the
Daily Texan
Op/Ed page. Send Firing Lines to
fireline@www.utexas.edu
-
Make the first sentence catchy, so it will get reader's
attention.
-
Use the writing style of journalists: Avoid flowery language,
write in clear and concise fashion, and keep paragraphs to no more than
two or three sentences.
-
Stick to one issue. Most people can't address the downfall
of modern civilization in 250 words.
-
The letter should be timely. Send it the day of, if possible.
-
Your chances of getting published increase if you can tie
it into a news event or anniversary. Editors like pieces with a "news
peg."
-
Try to tell readers something they aren't likely to know.
Whenever possible, tell something that readers can do.
-
Keep personal attacks out of letters. You'll lose credibility.
-
Most papers won't accept letters on behalf of a group.
Have an individual sign it (group affiliation is OK, though).
-
Most newspapers have a limit on how often a person can
write. Find out what this is, and don't send more than the limit.
-
Avoid self-righteous language and exaggeration. Readers
will dismiss your arguments.
For example:
"Only a heartless sadist could continue to eat meat and dairy when
any fool knows their lives are snuffed out in screaming agony for the satisfaction
of people who can't be bothered to take a moral stand."
Better:
"Most compassionate people would stop eating
animal products if they saw how horribly the animals are raised and
slaughtered."
-
Don't assume your audience knows the issue.
For example:
"Boycott Maxxam."
Better:
" Maxxam, the Houston corporation, cuts down 2,000-year-old trees
to make 2x4s. Ancient forests are a national treasure, and are more important
than paper products."
Writing to Legislators:
"Legislators estimate that 10 letters from constituents
represent the concerns of 10,000 citizens. Anybody who will take the time to
write is voicing the fears and desires of thousands more."
-former Congressperson Billy Evan
Some people refuse to write letters to legislators because they
feel it is a waste of time, or because they do not support the U.S. government,
or any government. This is a complicated issue. However, if you don't know if
the letter you write will have any impact, why not choose to err on the safe
side?
Writing a letter doesn't mean you are selling out, or that you
support a fraudulent government. The SLF is composed of mainly anarchists, but
we recognize that our movements need every tactic we have to bring about total
liberation.
- Find out your state and federal legislators.
State: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/fyi/fyi.htm
Federal: http://congress.org
Or you can call 202-224-3121 and tell the operator your zip code.
- Identify yourself as a concerned citizen, NOT a member of an organization.
Politicians will think you are pushing a group's agenda, rather than being
a good ol' neighbor.
- Keep letters brief- no more than one page. If you're writing about a bill,
mention the bill's name and number and whether you support or oppose it in
the first paragraph. Include reasons and supporting data in the next paragraph.
Conclude by asking for a response.
Focus on a very specific topic.
- As few as 10 letters on any topic can sway a legislator's vote. An hour
of letter writing every month may make a big impact.
