Fight back against powerful corporations and special interests' propaganda about the civil justice system. Either in response to articles or editorials on tort "reform," or as a concerned citizen, write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper rejecting attempts to limit your rights.
Use our sample letters or write your own letter using our fact sheets.
Five Things to Remember When Writing Letters to the Editor
1. Don't submit a letter that is too long.
Newspapers have limited room in which to publish letters. Remember, editors are looking to publish letters that: 1) they don't have to spend a lot of time editing; 2) include information or an angle the original article missed; 3) address a subject that readers care about; and 4) fit the amount of space they have on their editorial page.
2. Bolster your opinion.
Editors are interested in showing readers' opinions and any new evidence that bolsters any conclusions drawn in your opinion. Include facts that the average reader (and editor) might be surprised to find out, and include the sources of those facts. Again, our Web site contains fact sheets and other useful information which can be used in your letter.
3. Be sure to send within 24-36 hours.
If you are writing in response to an article already printed in your newspaper, the best practice is to write and send a letter the same day the material to which you are responding was published.
4. Send your letter via e-mail.
Letters should be submitted via e-mail. Most newspapers will publish the e-mail addresses for letter submissions on their Web sites and in their letters columns. Include the headline of the article to which the letter is responding in the e-mail's subject line. Be sure to cut and paste your letter into the text of the e-mail, instead of attaching the letter to the e-mail. You may also fax or mail a copy so that the publication has a copy on letterhead with your signature. Never send a letter by fax only. Always include your name, address, and daytime telephone number.
5. Keep it short.
We just had to say it again. Please contain your letter to 150-250 words. Go to the editorial page of the newspaper to which you are submitting and count the words of the longest letter published. This is probably your absolute limit.
Download the contact information for you local newspaper.
Are you still not sure how to get started on a letter?
Read our sample letters on the following topics:
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The People Over Profits Grassroots Action Center is proudly sponsored by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. If you are an attorney and would like to invite your clients to become People Over Profits members, please visit the ATLA Grassroots Action Center.
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