Greetings Fellow Democrats,

We know many of you submit letters and we want to thank you all for your efforts.

We encourage more folks to start writing and sending letters to the editor.

It is prudent for Democrats to spread public messaging about where we stand on issues that affect ALL Oklahomans. Oklahomans need to hear that Democrats will serve their best interest, not the "special interests."

It is especially important to draw attention when there are discrepancies in media language and messaging that mislead folks in either the local or National races, or other areas where it causes confusion and misrepresentation.

Letters to the Editor, even when dealing with conservative papers, will be published if they are written effectively and they can have a huge impact on the minds and opinions of the readers and our elected officials.

Here is the DNC tool for writing letters to the editor. This tool will send the letter to appropriate selected newspapers, while allowing you to tailor your letter the way you would like. http://www.democrats.org/page/speakout/letterstoeditors

Here are some tips for an effective letter to the editor (from the National Education Association web site):

• Keep it brief — Keep letters to 250 words or less. Discuss only one issue in a letter. Many newspapers will edit letters. Keeping the letter short will help ensure that the newspaper does not edit out important points.

• Get to the point — Start with a compelling introductory sentence. Follow the introduction with short, clear factual points. Do not make broad statements you cannot back up with facts. Focus on what is most important rather than trying to address every aspect of the issue.

• Relate it to home — Newspaper readers care about how an issue will impact them or their families locally. Respond to a recent article or related local issue. Including brief information on the economic or other impacts of that issue in the community will draw readers' interest.

• Personalize the issue — Provide an example of how the issue affects a real person in the community to help readers understand the issue and encourage them to take action. Avoid submitting "form" letters.

• End with a call to action — Ask readers to follow-up, such as joining in calling on policymakers to address the issue.

• Be timely — Try to place letters when they will be most effective. For example, letters supporting or opposing legislation will have the most impact when legislators are considering the issue.

• Be professional — Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten if mailed, check spelling, and they should follow the submission rules of the particular newspaper. Language should be polite but persuasive.
• Identify yourself — Sign the letter personally. Include any information highlighting your expertise on the issue. Provide contact information, including an address and daytime phone number so the newspaper can verify the letter's authenticity.

We thank you for all you do!

Yours in Solidarity,

The Oklahoma County Democratic Party