Start your Civic Leadership Journey with CLER!
The application deadline for our Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER) summer cohort is May 29th. Apply today to take the next step in your civic leadership journey!
The application deadline for our Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER) summer cohort is May 29th. Apply today to take the next step in your civic leadership journey!
Most of us read Op-Eds or Letters to the Editor (LTE) in our local newspapers or online on a weekly basis, but it may not occur to us that we may have unique expertise and insights to contribute to the debate with an Op-Ed or LTE.
Op-Eds and LTEs are a great and often effective way to voice your views and to advocate specific policy solutions, especially on a local level. For example, if you have school-age children, you can draw on your own experiences as a parent to argue for greater school choice and flexibility or higher education reform. Using your expertise can help you to craft a compelling argument which will resonate with readers and local officials. See this guide below and try your hand at writing an op-ed or LTE on an issue you feel passionate about in your community!
Introduction of ideas
First body paragraph
Second Body Paragraph
Third Body Paragraph
Conclusion
Language and Tone
Pitching/Placing Op-Eds
Most media outlets, local and national, will have specific guidelines in their “Opinion” pages for submitting op-eds and LTEs, with contact info provided. For example:
Become an influencer by trying your hand at drafting an Op-Ed or LTE – this could even be a fun Circle activity. Brainstorm ideas, then write up a draft, and share and peer-edit at the next meeting. Follow this roadmap below to get started!