|
¨
Be
brief. 150-250 words max.
¨
Use
language that is easy to understand. Make your arguments clear and concise;
they'll have more impact.
¨
Avoid
personal attacks. Don't make comments that could be considered rude, flip or
threatening.
¨
Effective
letters are usually made up of 3-4 paragraphs, each with a specific purpose and
content:
Paragraph
1: The Proposition
Explain what caused you to write (concern about a community issue, or concern -
or thanks for - a specific article, column or editorial; etc.)
Paragraph
2 (and 3): The Argument
Say what you think and why people should care. Be concise and make your point
clearly. Use brief, personal stories when appropriate. If applicable, use quotes
from the article/column/editorial you are responding to bolster your argument.
Paragraph
3 (or 4): The Call to Action/Conclusion
Say what should be done to correct the publication's/author's representation of
LGBT people;
OR
Wrap
up with a smart, punchy conclusion that ties your argument back to your
proposition.
Write
immediately! Use email or fax to ensure your letter is received on time.
Home Toolbox Contents
Example
Letter Number 1:
Dear Editor,
As someone who has lived in Oklahoma all my life, I think I
understand the true values of our great state. We care about our families and
our work; we are independent and fearless; we contend that people should be left
alone as long as people don’t hurt others. But now, the fear by some lawmakers
and groups is beginning to permeate throughout our state. In November, voters
will be faced with the question of writing discrimination into our state
constitution. Some are heralding the vote as “protecting marriage.” I
respectfully ask, “From what?”
Moreover, what some lawmakers and anti-marriage
groups don’t seem to understand is that the amendment will hurt real people
and their children. No constitutional amendment will wipe away gay and lesbian
people from Oklahoma; couples exist and have formed relationships, some for
decades. We share homes, children and lives. Voting for this amendment is not a
simple opposition to marriage for same-sex couples, but will have overreaching
affects on medical benefits, hospital visitation rights, and other contractual
agreements between two people that simply want to live in equal peace.
Let’s remember that we are all Oklahomans who want the
best for our communities. If we really believe that two adults should be allowed
to take care of each other within the confines of their committed relationship,
than we should overwhelming vote against the anti-marriage amendment.
Full Name
City
Example
Letter Number 2:
Dear Editor,
I have lived in Oklahoma City most of my life. I love
my family, my work, my neighbors and my church congregation. I am just like many
people of this state. Yet, it saddens me to think that some of the very people I
have friendships with, are willing to support an amendment to our state
constitution that would have devastating effects on my partner and our children.
As a gay person who has built a life here in Oklahoma, I
have lived with my partner for XX years. [TELL A PERSONAL STORY THAT HAS IMPACT
AND THAT HOW THE INCIDENTS OF MARRIAGE, HOSPITAL VISITATION, ETC., COULD BE
AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT]
This amendment is not about protecting marriage. Its
intent is to hurt real families like mine. Nor does this issue have anything to
do with religion. No church needs to bless any union it does not want to. This
is about rights that the government bestows upon couples, including hospital
visitation, burial rights, and a whole host of others that help families be more
secure.
I do hope that my friends and co-workers understand
how unfair this amendment is and that a vote “no” is the right thing to do
for all Oklahomans.
Name
City
|
