March
1996
How
to be an Activist
By Henry Spira
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As part of Satya’s on-going commitment
to activism, we are pleased to offer a periodic column giving tips
on more
effective ways to bring about compassion. This month, Henry Spira offers
advice on getting your letters in print.
The Word Processor is Mightier than the Sword!
Ideas are powerful. Most of us have opinions and when we feel strongly
will spend much time talking about them. But talking is not enough.
Doing is what makes activists effective.
Writing letters to the editor is a simple and effective way of taking
action. Letters to the editor are powerful tools. The letters section
is one of the most widely read parts of a newspaper or magazine. Your
letter can reach thousands and even millions of readers. And beyond
the cost of a stamp, it won’t cost you a penny for typesetting,
paper or distribution.
It you need to write 20 letters until one gets printed, it’s well
worth the effort. And even when your letters are not printed, they alert
the editors to readers’ interest in an issue. Occasionally a
letter can touch a nerve or spark a dialogue which continues for days,
weeks
and sometimes even months.
It has been our experience that certain steps can maximize your chances
of getting that letter printed.
• Before putting pen to paper or finger to keyboard, know exactly
what you want to say.
• Whenever possible, bring new information or a fresh perspective
to the subject.
• Ideally, you’ll address an item which just appeared in
a publication. Respond immediately. Don’t spend undue time trying
to craft the perfect masterpiece. By the time you succeed, editorial
interest in the issue may be long gone.
• Let your words ring reasonable, rational, and well thought-out.
• It’s okay to be critical, but don’t come across
as nasty or hysterical. A reasonable tone is usually persuasive, insults
are usually not.
• If at all possible, stick to just one issue. It keeps things
uncomplicated.
• A well chosen headline can help keep you and your readers sharply
focused.
• Familiarity with the letters page will suggest what kind of
letters the editors tend to select for publication. Write with this
in mind.
• Write as if you’re talking to another person and want
to hold their interest.
• Keep your language simple. Try to make it flow naturally with
short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.
• Avoid trite phrases and clichés.
If your writing skills are a work-in-progress, consider starting small.
It may be a lot easier to get your feet wet with a community paper rather
than starting at the top with major national publications.
Once your letter gets published, make copies and circulate them for
additional impact. Take advantage of the ripple effect. Encourage your
friends and colleagues to do the same. And if your letter doesn’t
get published, don’t give up. Keep trying. A well written letter
with something to say will inevitably wind up where it deserves to
be.
In print!
Henry Spira is Coordinator of Animal Rights International
and a long-time campaigner for human, labor, and animal rights.
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