Group Building/Leadership

Condensed Key Action Tips (Handout)

Letter to the Editor

A letter to the editor needs to be to the point with a few key details and maximum impact.

• 250 words or less
• Use a respectful and polite tone
• Give it a dynamite title that will draw attention
• “Hook” to a headline or current story/issue
• Your name and telephone numbers at the bottom
  • editors need them to confirm you wrote the letter
  • your personal information will not be published
• Email it to as many papers as possible
  • email addresses are available at www.results-resultats.ca
  • create an email distribution list once, saves you time later
  • Copy and paste and send your letter to each editor individually  – editors won’t publish it if they see it has been sent to other publications as well. You may even want to reword the opening if you can.
• Share it your published letter with friends, colleagues, decision makers

Letter to MPs and Key Decision Makers/Policy Makers

Members of parliament and other decision-makers need to hear from you. They are allocating YOUR tax dollars – so it is your right and obligation to provide direction.

• Handwritten letters sent by post are most effective
• Write from your perspective, make a personal connection to the issue and where possible to the person you are writing to as well
• Try to keep your letter to one page, two maximum for first contact
• Use the EPIC format (below, in Talking Persuasively) for structure
• Invite a response and when you get one, respond back – build the relationship

Talking Persuasively

A Laser talk is a condensed 1-2 minute talk about a particular RESULTS issue. Becoming confident in delivering a laser talk is considered a key asset of a RESULTS advocate. If you can speak effectively to an issue, you can write effectively.

• Two minutes or less
• A few key facts/figures – do not overload your listener
• EPIC format
  • Engage with an opening line
  • present the Problem in a line or two
  • Inform on the effective solution
  • Call upon your listener to commit to joining you in action