• Find out if anyone in your organization knows any local reporters. If you do not have any contacts then make some.
• When you read the local newspaper make note of which reporters cover what topics.
• Cold call them.  It is not as hard as you may think, honestly. Simply call and mention your organization, that you are a student, and that you appreciate the article he/she wrote on _fill in the blank_.  You could also drop the individual a note saying that you saw his/her article on __fill in the blank__ the other day and really enjoyed it.  Then mention who you are and what organization you are associated with.
• Now you’ve made a contact.
• When something is coming up, like a community service project you are doing a week from Thursday, call up the contact you already made and tell him/her what you are doing and what the impact will be.  Be sure to emphasize the impact you are making.  For example:  The College Atheist Coalition (CAC) is participating in an AIDS walk and has raised an astronomical sum of money.

• Timeliness-make sure stories you suggest are relevant now.  Hit the media at the peak of an issue’s popularity.  Also keep in mind a controversial or current issue that is of interest to the community. 
• Impact-The media wants to cover projects that impact a large group of people.  Be able to extrapolate what you are doing out to the greater community.  “We did __blank__ which is saving the city __blank__ amount of money.”
• Proximity-keep in mind that the proximity of the event is import.
• Stories-don’t just give them information and raw facts, provide them with stories about real people.  Be creative, come up with an unusual human-interest story.

The following paragraphs contain detailed information on how to interact with the media effectively and examples of Op-Eds, Letters to the Editor, etc.  The SSA would like to thank Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Humanists of Florida for allowing us to use her materials.

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How to Write a Letter to the Editor

It is reported that 80-85% of newspaper readers read the “Letters to the Editor” section, so this is an excellent opportunity to get your message out.

Letters to the Editor should be kept short – no more then 2 small paragraphs. If you must write something longer, consider an op-ed piece.

Know the publication’s publishing and submission guidelines. Depending on the publication, they may require an email, hardcopy letter, information to include, word count). If this is part of an overall campaign, it is best to submit several letters over time instead of submitting many in a short period (e.g., 100 letters in one day).

Always try to reference the article you are responding to on a separate line, above the text of your letter. State your position in both paragraphs.

Be concise – stick to the point – and make sure you are only trying to make 1 point. (Again, if you have several points to make, write an op-ed piece.)

Always be polite – do not call people names or get nasty in anyway. Simply state your point – eloquently, if possible.

Use humor sparingly. If you have a good phrase or quote, feel free to use it - but remember to keep it short – you will have the best chance at publication if you keep your letter to 2 short paragraphs.

Unless you have permission to do so – do not write or speak on behalf on any organization you are a member of.

Sample Outline of a Letter to the Editor (2 paragraphs)

Paragraph 1 (2 sentences)

“As a humanist/atheist/agnostic [or your specific affiliation, etc.—but only if you have your group’s permission], I am writing regarding [the article, event, etc. you are responding to]…

“I agree/disagree with [the article, event, etc. you are responding to]…”

Paragraph 2

Provide 2 “proofs” or supporting ideas and restate your position.



How to Write an Op-Ed Piece

What is an Op-Ed Piece?

An “Op-Ed piece” is an opinion or editorial article that may take the form of a small essay. They are usually printed on the “Opinions” page of the paper and the columnist may have a photo byline supplied.

Op-Ed pieces are useful when what you want to say will take more than 2 paragraphs (the limit of a typical "letter to the editor"). If you have several points you want to make about a particular topic, consider writing an Op-Ed piece. Most papers set aside certain days to print columns from local writers.
 
Publishing an Op-Ed Piece
•    Decide that what you want to write is appropriate as an Op-Ed piece.
•    Contact the editor of the “Opinions” page and obtain their op-ed submission requirements. The paper may often have a word count limit or other limitations. The following questions are critical:
a) Will they accept an Op-Ed piece?
            and
b) What are their requirements? You need to know their requirements so that you can adapt your article to their specification. (Note: Only submit an Opinion piece if you are given permission to do so)
•    Write the piece. Reference the article, etc. you’re submitting your response to. Remember to be factual and interesting and to state your case clearly. Do not get nasty and call people names as your piece may not get printed. Double check your spelling and word count to ensure it is within the limitations specified by the editor.

•    Send the Op-Ed to the editor with a cover letter explaining a bit about yourself, why you are qualified to write this opinion, and request that that letter be published. Be sure to thank the Editor for taking the time to consider your opinion for publication.
 
Things to include in your cover letter:
•    your profession
•    education
•    town where you live
•    if you are speaking on behalf of a group, what your position is within that group. (Note: Only mention your affiliation with a group if you have permission to speak on their behalf about the particular issue you have written an opinion about. Otherwise, do not mention it.)
•    Include a recent black and white photograph of yourself for the paper to use as part of your byline.

•    Call the Editor a few days after you mailed your opinion to ensure they have received it, ask if they have had a chance to read it, and if they plan to print it. Always be polite to the editor, even if they decide not to print your opinion. There are many factors that effect their print decision and do not allow 1 rejection to tarnish your relationship with this editor. The better your relationship with the editor, the better your chances of being published. People like to do business with nice people, so be nice! And, regardless of the outcome, thank them for their time.

•    If they say they will publish your article, ask them on what day, that way you can pick up sufficient copies for yourself, friends, and family. (Note: Buy one copy to verify your opinion is in the paper before you spend more money on extra copies.)

•    Ruthlessly edit your piece. Read it aloud. Ask a friend to read it for clarity and conciseness.


Sample Outline for an Op-Ed Piece

Paragraph 1:
Who you are
Why you’re writing (reference what you’re responding to)
State your position
Paragraph 2:
Supporting evidence/argument
Paragraph 3:
    Supporting evidence/argument
Paragraph 4:
    Supporting evidence/argument
Paragraph 5:
    State your conclusion/restate your position