Writing Letters

Letters to the Editor

When you write letters to the editors of local newspapers instead of writing to just one person, you reach thousands! And it's easier than you might think

Read local papers and magazines for fuel for letters. Watch for articles, ads, or letters that mention circuses. You can either fax or email letters to the editor. Be sure to get the correct contact details as some newspapers have multiple fax #s and email addresses.

Tips on writing letters to the editor

Study letters to the editor that have been printed in your local newspaper. Take note of their style, length and composition. Strive to emulate these aspects in your own letter (because these letters have actually been printed, you can tell what kind of letter the editor is looking for).

The cardinal rule with letters to the editor is "keep it short". 200 words is the norm, but letters as long as 250 words are acceptable. Editors are less likely to print long letters.

Type, if possible. Otherwise, print legibly.

Be sure to use correct grammar and spelling, and remember to have your letter proofread by a friend.

Make sure you include your name, address, and daytime telephone number at the end of your letter. Some newspapers insist on verify authorship before printing letters.

Op-Ed pieces

Look for opportunities to write op-ed pieces for local papers. These are longer articles of about 500 - 800 words that summarize an issue, develop an argument, and propose a solution. Send the article to the Editorial Page editor.

TV & Radio Stations

You can also write (or call) television and radio stations to protest glorification of animal abuse or alternately to compliment them on a program they have done well.

Letters and phone calls to Businesses that sponsor circuses

Use your clout as a consumer to protest companies that sponsor circuses. Tell stores, corporations, newspapers, and TV and radio stations that you will not support them as long as they sponsor cruel treatment of animals in circuses. Explain why you are choosing not to support them and also tell them that you will advise your friends, family and acquaintances to do likewise. Offer to send literature and a video detailing the suffering of animals in circuses. Click here to order literature and a video from Global Action Network.

Letters to Legislators

While everyone's good at complaining about politics to their friends, too few citizens express their opinions to those who can do something about it: legislators. Constituent input really does make a difference.

Town councilors believe that anybody who will take the time to write is voicing the fears and desires of hundreds, if not thousands more. If that's not enough to convince you, ask yourself this: If you don't communicate with the officials representing you, who will? While you're complaining to your friends about cruelty in circuses, someone who disagrees with you is communicating with your lawmakers. Many people have single handedly convinced town councils to outlaw animal acts. Many mayors and councilors share your objectives and just need to be convinced that there is sufficient public support before making a change that benefits circus animals.

Here's how to make your voice count:

Call up your local city hall and find out who your town councilor and mayor are.

Keep letters brief - no more than one page. Be specific about what you want - a municipal bylaw banning animal acts in entertainment. Include reasons and supporting data in the next paragraph or two. Conclude by asking for a response. Click here for a sample letter.

Be polite and concise. Keep everything relevant to the issue in question. Never be threatening or insulting.

Remember: Each letter pertaining to a particular piece of legislation is usually counted as a "yes" or "no." so get your friends and family to write as well. As few as 10 letters on any one topic can sway a town councilor's vote.

And don't be discouraged if you receive unfavorable responses; the more we communicate with public officials, the sooner they'll change their positions on animal issues.