by Debby Adams – 9/10/2012

Print version

Contributing comments and letters to news media can be a great way to call attention to animal-related concerns in Connecticut. The following guidelines will help you be an effective writer:

1. Consult the submission guidelines for the media you plan to submit to. Is there a word limit? Is there a limit to the number of letters or posts you can submit within a week or month? Are some topics or types of statements prohibited? If you don’t follow the guidelines, your letter will not be published.

2. Spelling counts, and spelling software isn’t always accurate. Letters riddled with typos and errors make you, and the organization you represent, less professional. If you don’t trust your spelling, have a trusted friend or colleague review them.

3. Focus on the particular actions or experiences you find objectionable. Why is this important? For example, in a letter to the editor regarding a state agricultural fair, Amy Harrell highlighted positive aspects of the fair, and then identified the specific event that caused distress. If you are writing regarding a candidate or lawmaker and his/her stance on animal law/policy, do not attack the person’s character, only the specific words or actions you object to. Explain calmly and clearly why they are inappropriate. Animal cruelty? Children witnessing inappropriate actions towards animals that may upset them? More humane alternatives practiced elsewhere?

4. Give specifics, citing statistics and their sources where it makes sense to do so. Give the name, date, and location of an event. Depending on the situation, it may be useful to identify sponsors. Estimate the number of animals affected by a situation, the number of witnesses or size of audience, the amount of money spent to rectify a situation of abuse (veterinary expenses, cleanup, legal fees, etc). Citing municipal and state costs for a current practice or negative situation (euthanizing animals at a kill shelter, euthanizing feral cats or unwanted breeds, etc) will get lawmakers’ attention, particularly if you can offer comparison to a more ethical, lower-cost solution.

5. End your letter by offering a positive solution. After you’ve detailed your complaint, tell readers how you would like to see the situation changed, and why this is the better choice. Remember that many readers are not familiar with animal ethics, even for their own companion animals, and we can educate them through our letters if we remain warm, engaging, and, most of all, reasonable.

6. Don’t forget to write letters to the editor in praise of ACOs, lawmakers, and others in the community who do good work for animals. People like to be recognized, and it presents CVA as engaged and supportive of the community. It will also help people to become familiar with our organization and its missions.

 

7. Finally, be sure to credit yourself as the author, followed by your role within CVA, i.e. Volunteer, Board member. Do not submit a letter, article, or comment where CVA is designated the primary author unless you have received approval from the CVA Board.

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