Using the Local Press to Make Changes in Your Neighborhood or Community

You've tried calling your city council, and you may have even written that letter to your representative or senator-but making changes in your neighborhood or community can be daunting and slow-going, much like jogging in quicksand. If you are trying to get a law passed, get repairs made, change a speed limit, or simply have a sign erected to let people know there is an abundance of children playing nearby-just having a good cause and some hearty volunteers often isn't enough. It can be a real boost if you are able to utilize the press to get your story out and create pressure and interest regarding your project.

If you are just getting warmed up with working with the press-start with a letter to the editor. Writing out the letter will help you to formulate your thoughts on paper. If you are part of a group of individuals working to make changes, have each person write a letter to the editor-this will increase your chances of getting at least one published, and it may generate interest at the newspaper and someone may want to find out just what you are up to. Write a letter to all of your local publications-daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, special interest newsletters and publications, etc. Don't forget about neighborhood newsletters as a resource for getting the word out about your cause.

You may not realize that the Opinion/Editorial pieces that appear in your newspaper are often written by individuals such as your self and your neighbors. Call the paper and talk with the person who serves as editor of the OP/ED pages and find out the regulations, deadlines, etc. for writing and submitting an op/ed piece to the paper.