You don't have to start a blog to let your voice be heard! Use an existing form of media, like your local newspaper or favorite magazine and write a letter to the editor! Respond to an article that was recently written, or comment on something going on locally.
The most important thing is to let your voice be heard. You can start a conversation within your community by giving your opinion in a popular piece of media. People will naturally show their opinions. Who knows, you might even create new talk around the water cooler that day!
Submitting your comments is now easier than ever – and paper-free. Once you have figured out which publication you would like to write to, search on their website for "letters to the editor" or the Opinion section.
They will most likely impose rules for your piece. The NY Times limits letters to 150 words that are in reference to an article written within the last week, and the letter must be sent only to the Times, and no other publication. Open letters are not permitted. They must also include your mailing address and phone number. Oh, and they might edit it as they choose. A lot of rules, yes, but a great forum nonetheless.
Save Our Environment Action Center agrees – they encourage people to write letters to the editor because politicians often monitor these letters as if they represent the voice of the people. They've even set up an interesting format: you pick your topic and zip code, and they will provide you a template from which you can write your letter. Check it out.
This Tip o' the Day was recommended to me by my rockin' peer here at Green Options, Megan Prusynski.
Editor's note: For more details on writing a good letter to the editor, check out this previous post, too…