Part A - Society for Public Health Education

You can mail, fax, or email press releases to reporters. You may want to make a briefcall to the reporter to make sure that he or she has received your release or that theright person has it.Letters to the EditorLetters to the editor are a good way to communicate an opinion to the general pubicor simply keep an issue alive in the public’s mind. Look at the editorial pages ofdifferent newspapers. Often, the specifications on writing letters to the editor willbe on this page. If not, you can follow these general tips for writing your letter. Beconcise by focusing your letter on just one concept or idea and limiting yourself to250 words. Refer to other articles, editorials, or letters the newspaper has recentlypublished. Send your letter to the editor as soon as possible after the article appearedto increase the its chances of being printed. Include your name and contactinformation, relevant titles and degrees, and a reference to your coalition.Op-EdsThe op-ed, which appears opposite a newspaper’s editorial page, expresses a strongopinion on an issue, backed by well-researched, documented facts. Whereas a letterto the editor provides a concise and direct response to a specific article or letter,the op-ed is more detailed and can further flesh out an argument and a proposedsolution. Careful planning will increase your chances of placing an op-ed. Obtainthe newspaper’s op-ed policies, try to arrange an appointment to talk to the editorabout the issue’s urgency, and adopt a local angle in your op-ed. Before submittingthe op-ed, think about any ally organizations that may be willing to cosignyour op-ed. The prominence or credibility of the op-ed signer(s) goes a long way toensure the chances of your op-ed getting published.Editorial Board MeetingBy arranging a meeting between key coalition members and a newspaper’s editorialboard, a coalition has the opportunity to convey a strong, focused message that increasesthe media’s awareness of the coalition and the issues it addresses. This meetingcan be a powerful way to win the board’s support for the coalition’s issues andincrease the likelihood of more newspaper coverage of your coalition. Coalitions interestedin meeting with an editorial board should (1) call the editorial page editorto briefly explain the issues and request a meeting, (2) send background informationabout the coalition to the appropriate editors before the meeting, (3) preparefor the meeting (e.g., write down key facts and main points and familiarize yourself© 2007 Society for Public Health Education78 Helping Communities Combat Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories