Ask an Advisor Answers

Thanks for your question. I’m going to answer broadly, focusing on the value of writing letters to officials and the media as an advocacy tool. I’ll use the topic of lowering the voting age as an example.

Why write to officials and the media?

Amplify your voice and reach broader audiences
 

• A letter to the editor reaches not just your friends or members of your group, but a wider public audience.
• A carefully addressed letter to an elected official shows that constituents are paying attention and care about the issue. This is a good way to explain how an issue affects you or your group and demonstrate to an official that their constituents are aware of an issue,  which can build your credibility.
   

Influence public opinion and decision‐makers
 

• Media letters become part of public deliberation, shifting how others view the issue, which in turn creates pressure on decision-makers. 
• For officials, letters signal constituent interest (or concern). This helps shape how they prioritize issues.
   

Sustain momentum and keep issues visible
 

• Advocacy isn’t just about one event; it’s about maintaining presence and dialogue. Sending several letters over time helps keep the issue from disappearing.
• A letter to the editor can spark further media coverage, amplify visibility, and invite additional community engagement. 
   

Humanize the issue, show impact
 

• When you describe how a policy or proposal affects real lives (yours or others’) it makes the message more compelling. For officials, this helps them see the impact beyond abstract statistics. 
• In media letters, using a short, clear statement of fact and a personal story helps make your point.

Sample Issue: Lowering the Voting Age

Imagine your organization is advocating for lowering the voting age (for example, from 18 to 16). Here are some considerations for leveraging letters effectively:

To an elected official:
 

• Introduce yourself and explain why the issue matters (e.g., your organization works with youth civic engagement).
• Briefly explain how lowering the voting age would affect your community (e.g., “Allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote would increase civic participation, reflect the lived experience of young people who pay taxes, and promote lifelong habits of engagement”).
• Provide one or two concise data points or stories (for instance, youth engagement, education on citizenship, or comparative jurisdictions where the age is lower).
• Clearly ask the official what you want: (e.g., “I urge you to support the proposed bill to lower the voting age and sponsor amendments to ensure youth voices are included in the electoral process.)”
• Thank them for their time and offer your support (e.g., “Our organization would be pleased to assist with youth consultation sessions”).
• Include your full name, title, organization, and contact details
   

To a newspaper (letter to the editor):
 

• Address the editor and reference a recent article about voter turnout or youth engagement to tie your letter to media coverage (important for chance of publication). 
• Hook readers with a strong opening: e.g., “Why should a 16-year-old who is paying taxes not also have a say in who shapes those tax decisions?”
• Explain why the voting age matters, using a brief fact or personal story: (e.g., “In communities across my state, youth are volunteering, paying workplace taxes and caring for siblings — yet they remain voiceless at the ballot box.)”
• Make the call to action: “I encourage your readers and decision-makers to consider the merits of lowering the voting age to 16 and wiring our democracy to include all voices who are already contributing.”
• Keep it concise (under ~300 words) and provide your name, city, and perhaps role. 
• If you get published, share it widely among your networks to amplify the message.
   

Tips

• Be timely: A letter sent shortly after relevant coverage or ahead of a vote will carry more weight. 
• Choose one strong point: Don’t overload your letter with too many arguments. Focus on your most compelling reason.
• Write clearly, simply and respectfully: Avoid jargon. Editors favour letters that are brief, direct and free of personal attacks.
• Use credible evidence + personal story: While the issue is larger, you bring a unique voice.
• Offer your contact details: For both editors and officials, this increases legitimacy and opens further communication.
• Follow up: If writing to an official, keep the conversation going. If your media letter is published, use the momentum to invite further action.

Resources

See Community Tool Box Chapter 33, Section 1 for information and tools about how to create both printed and electronic communications to maximize reading and get a positive response.

See Community Tool Box Chapter 33, Section 2 for information and tools about writing and sending effective print and e-mailed letters to editors of various media types.