Writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper is a great way to communicate your support for the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children legislation. While newspapers cannot print every letter they receive from their readers, following are some general guidelines to use when developing letters to the editor that can increase the likelihood that the newspaper will print your letter:

• Letters should be in your own words. Pick one or two important pieces of the legislation and write about how they directly affect you, your children, your school or your community.
• Letters should describe your connection to the issue at hand. Describe why you support the legislation and feel free to include your personal thoughts and opinions.
• Limit your letters to no more than 250 words. This should allow you to make your point succinctly and clearly.
• Letters should be timely. Be sure to reference the fact that this legislation is currently under consideration in both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate. If you are writing in response to a previous article featured in the newspaper, it is a good idea to reference the article in your letter. Make every effort to get your letter to the newspaper within one week of the original article’s publication.
• Sign your letters and include your city of residence and a daytime phone number. Most newspapers will call to confirm your letter and will not run a letter that does not include contact information.
• Consider using technology. Many newspapers now accept letters to the editor via e-mail or directly through their Web site.