Tool #1: Letter-writing party The responsibility of writing a letter to the editor can be shared. One way to do this is to hold a letter-writing party, at which you and your friends or colleagues write a planned series of letters that will be sent to the editor. At the party Pick your topic. Have each friend write a letter addressing the topic--these are Group #1 letters. Have each friend write a draft letter in response to letters from Group #1--these are Group #2 letters. These will be left incomplete so that specific references to Group #1 letters can be filled in. Make a few of your letters provocative so that others will respond. Get permission from others to sign their names so that one person can handle the campaign. Use different types of stationery. Send copies to the "signer" as the paper may call him or her. Let the "signer" know if the letter is published. It may require only 5 or 6 people to develop a huge community response. Mail Group #1 letters. Some may be published. Mail Group #2 letters, with specific information related to those published added, in response to them soon after the Group #1 letters are published. This exercise is great for group morale. It can be fun, too.
