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Take Action and Get Involved!
Participate!
The Rhode Island Chapter is engaged in educational work, grassroots lobbying, and elections. Come to one of our meetings or events to get involved in our Campaign for Energy Independence.
Take Action!
Write a letter to the Editor
We need strong leadership to change direction and move our state forward with clean, affordable transportation choices. We need your help getting our message in the editorial pages of Rhode Island Newspapers. Check out our latest press release. And call the Rhode Island Sierra Club at (401)521-4734 or email chris.wilhite@sierraclub.org for talking points for your letter. Click HERE to see a sample letter to the editor.
How to Write a Letter to the Editor and Get It Published |
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Keep it short - 150-200 words is ideal. It's also helpful to check out other letters published in the paper you're targeting to see if there is a particular length or format that the paper prefers (Newport Daily News allows up to 450 words).
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Make one point (or at most two) in you letter. State the point clearly, ideally in the first sentence.
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Make your letter timely. If you are not addressing a specific article, editorial, or letter that recently appeared in the paper you are writing to, try to tie the issue you want to write about to a recent event.
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Make sure you have an action item for people. What should they do with the information you are giving them? What person are you targeting?
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Find the angle that makes your point interesting or noteworthy.
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Timing - why it is relevant now
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Significance to readership - Why they should care (know your audience)
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Geographic proximity - how id affects where you are
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HUman Interest - Give it a human spin (i.e. children, mothers)
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Once you submit your letter, follow up with a phone call one day later. Call teh editorial page editor to make sure it was received. Ask if the paper will print your letter, and make a quick pitch as to why it should.
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Monitor the paper for your letter. Collect your clips! |
There are many ways to get involved in helping to protect Rhode Island's environment. The Club is seeking volunteers to:
When you join or give to the Sierra Club you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to preserve irreplaceable wild lands, save endangered and threatened wildlife, and protect this fragile environment we call home. You can be sure that your voice will be heard through congressional lobbying and grassroots action on the environmental issues that matter to you most.
In addition to helping the planet, your membership will also earn you:
- One-year subscription to Sierra magazine
- Members-only ecotravel opportunities
- Automatic membership in your local Chapter
- Discounts on Sierra Club calendars, books, and other merchandise
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