All of us are aware that our country is polarized by ideology and cultural issues. In some cases, these divisions are intentionally maintained by politicians and other interests. Listening and talking with people with differing perspectives is ever more important.

One way to begin those conversations is to write to the editors of local and regional publications. Letters to the editor can provide background on an issue, offer an opinion, or open the way to future public discussion.

Here are​ some tips and ideas for writing letters to the editor, adapted from Emerge Washington.

Why write to local and regional publications?

• You can reach a large number of people who may share your concerns.

• You can inform readers about issues they may not know about.

• You can explain or provide details about an issue.

• You can offer perspective and personal experience that create conversations around issues.

• You can influence regional and local politicians, who often pay attention to letters to the editor (especially when letters mention them by name).

How should you select a subject?

• Read several weeks of letters to get a sense of the themes and topics that are important to the publication’s readers.

• Pick an issue that you care about.

• Consider the opinion you plan to express. How will it add to the current conversation?

• What do you know about this issue that many people may not? Speak from your personal experience or expertise.

• End your letter with a call to action: encourage readers to support a candidate or proposal, participate in an event or activity, or learn more about the subject of your letter.

First Things First

• Identify the publications in your Congressional district and check their policies on letter submission and publication, including length limits on letters.

• Use your real name, location, and contact information. Publications may call or email you to verify that you are the author of the letter.

• Check your facts, especially statistics and superlative claims (“the only,” “the most”). Provide sources for any potentially controversial claims.

• Editors usually write the headlines for letters and opinion columns. To avoid an inaccurate or misleading headline, take extra care to make your letter clear and to the point.