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Press outreach

​Right now, USAID is making national news, but the most important stories to most Americans aren’t being told. That’s where you come in!

Op-eds

Submitting an opinion piece or editorial (op-ed) to your local paper is a great way to start a
conversation in your community and with your elected officials. Most Congressional offices
have staff that read local papers to learn what their constituents care about, and you can use a published op-ed to continue conversations with your neighbors, houses of worship, and even with decision-makers in Washington, DC.

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Topics on the periphery of national news often make for good op-eds because they’re timely, have broad public appeal, and face less competition from other submissions, versus front-page news that everyone is chasing.

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Usually, op-eds should be between 650-800 words, but check your newspaper’s website for
more guidance about what they publish and how to submit.

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Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor (LTEs) are another great tool for getting your opinion in front of your Members of Congress and your community. They are included alongside Op/Eds are other articles in clip books compiled by district staff, and can give you a great reason to follow up with them to discuss your published comments.


Letters to the editor generally must be in response to something the newspaper has already published. They are much shorter than an op-ed but still require you to make a strong argument.

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Tips for writing an op-ed​

 

Know your argument:

  • Choose something from the key arguments below or research your own - but make
    sure you are clear about the point you want to make.

  • Think about the counter-argument: what would people say who disagree with you? Can you counter that? If not, do a bit more research.

  • Gather facts. Sources include links throughout this document, plus www.foreignassistance.gov, www.usaidstopwork.com, Friends of USAID, and many
    articles published around the world. You can also look at the data visualizations
    here for an easy way to understand the global impact of illegal terminations of
    USAID contracts and grants.​

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Make it easy and compelling to read:

  • Use active voice and plain language.

  • Keep sentences short.

  • Aim for a simple explanation of your argument. Every sentence should have a point -no fillers!

  • Eliminate anything that doesn’t support your core argument.

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Structure it carefully:

  • Open with a short “lede” - an attention grabbing sentence that ties to current events and introduces your argument.

  • Spend 1-2 paragraphs laying out your argument. It’s ok to include your own opinion alongside research, facts, stats, and quotes from experts.

  • Dedicate one paragraph to countering those who disagree with you. Acknowledge the counter argument, but assert why you disagree (with more evidence you haven’t already provided above)

  • Write a short closing that reiterates your argument. If you want, you can also add a call to action, such as urging people to call your Members of Congress.

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Note: If the newspaper or online journal agrees to publish your piece, you should expect your submission to be edited. As long as it remains accurate and retains the key messages you want to deliver, don’t worry too much about stylistic edits. HOWEVER, if an editor tries to change your message in a way that is no longer yours, don’t be afraid to speak up, or to withdraw your submission.

Steps and tips for writing an LTE​

 

Steps to take:

  1. Identify a recent article published by your newspaper to which you want to respond. Plan to submit your letter as soon as possible after the article is published - ideally within 24 hours.

  2. Review the Letters to the Editor submission guidelines for your target newspaper, and be sure you follow them.

  3. Write your letter, usually approximately 100-150 words (see below)

  4. Find the name and email address that your newspaper uses to receive letters to the editor and send it off according to the instructions provided.

    • Note: don’t send attachments, instead copy-paste your op/ed into the body of the email, below your pitch.

  5. Make a plan for how you will use your letter - whether it’s published or not!​

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Writing tips:

  • Start with your first reaction to the article you are responding to. Did you spot an error or misinformation? Did you feel that part of the story was missing? Do you have a specific experience or expertise to add to the conversation?

  • Write from your own perspective, in your own voice and in your own words. Letters
    are less formal than an op-ed but they can be just as powerful.

  • You are allowed to express emotion in a letter to the editor, more so than with an
    op-ed, because letters generally prioritize reader reactions whereas Op/Eds are
    about making an argument.

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Structure it carefully:

  • Open by identifying the article to which you are responding and identifying any
    special connection you have to the topic.

  • Directly refute or counter anything in the article that needs correcting - briefly cite
    your source if you can.

  • Use a few sentences to back up your argument or claim, again briefly citing any
    sources whose data you use.

  • Issue a call to action - for your community, the newspaper, or your Members of
    Congress.

    • ​Note: it’s ok to name them directly - it increases the chances they will see it!

  • Sign the letter with your name and, if you want, your job title or other relevant
    information that gives you credibility on the topic.

    • ​Note: don’t worry if you aren’t professionally tied to USAID or to the research community, being a reader of the newspaper is enough justification for writing a letter!​

Want some help drafting an op-ed or letter to the editor?

 

This group has your back!

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