Write a Letter to the Editor
A letter to the editor should be short and to the point. It should begin Dear Editor, and it should
contain no more than 150 words. That’s about the number of words in the first three paragraphs
of this How To page.
Pick one issue to write about – one simple issue. If you have more than one point you want to
make, pick one per letter. Consider writing more than one letter and submitting them a few
weeks apart; or find a friend or two and ask them to write letters that address your other points.
Be clear about what you want to have happen. For example, clearly state that you believe our
legislature should fully fund the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP). Follow that up
with a personal example of how under-funding has affected your school district or your child.
Be sure to include your name, city and phone number in the signature line at the bottom of the
letter. Send your letter to your hometown newspaper and The Clarion Ledger (see link to email
addresses and phone numbers below).
Also consider:
checking out the School Needs link on our website to see what your superintendent said
about the effects of under-funding in your school district. Use those as examples in your
letter.
checking your legislators’ VOTES on our website.
o If your legislator has voted in favor of fully funding MAEP, consider including
something like, “I am grateful that Senator Good has voted in favor of fully
funding the MAEP in the past, and I am looking forward to his support of an
adequate education for our children in the coming session.”
o If your legislator has not supported full funding, you could use something similar
to, “I am disappointed that Rep. Shortchange has consistently voted against
adequately funding public education. Concerned citizens of Smalltown should
join me in asking Rep. Shortchange to reconsider her position and vote to fully
fund the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. Our children’s futures
depend upon it.”
For email addresses and phone numbers of daily newspapers, click DAILY.
For email addresses and phone number of weekly newspapers, click WEEKLY.