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Ask the Experts

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Q

How do I submit an opinion piece (an "op-ed") or a "letter to the editor" to my local newspaper?

A

Newspapers have many rules about what they'll accept and what they won't, both for op-eds or guest columns, or a letter to the editor in which you can take issue with something reported recently in the newspaper. 

The first rule: be timely. If a news story runs on a Thursday, get your response in the next day. If you wait a week, the newspaper most likely won't print your reply because it's "old news."

Another rule: pay attention to length limits and requirement. For specifics requirements of your local newspaper, go to that paper's website and click on the editorial section. There you'll find guidelines for length and where to send your letter or opinion piece. You can email it – the preferred method – or mail it it.

Generally, letters to the editor should be 200 words or less. That's not much, so you'll likely have to rework your letter several times. Guest opinion pieces are longer, with most around 600 or 650 words.

Third: you'll likely have to agree that you're sending your letter or op-ed exclusively to that newspaper. So if you want to raise the same issue in another community, you'll need to rewrite your work.


ASK A COMMUNICATIONS EXPERT

CWA communicators. Click here and ask us questions about how to improve print and online communications and your coverage in the news media.

 

Photos & Artwork

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Download CWA photos and artwork to enhance your materials.


Featured Photos

While stationed in Afghanistan, a Verizon Business tech proclaimed his support for a union in front of a tank. Click on "featured photos" to download this and other related photos.

 more images >


Newsletter Contest

Calling all editors! The deadline for entries in CWA's 25th Annual Newsletter Awards Contest is May 30. Click on the link for entry form and instructions.

 Entry form >


 

CAMPAIGNS

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Get the latest information, handouts, graphics, and photos about key CWA issue campaigns.


Featured Campaign

CWA local activists play a major role in CWA’s Health Care For All campaign. Read CWA Newsletter article.

more campaigns >

MEDIA TEMPLATES

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Create flyers, newsletters, web pages and other media with these easy to use templates

more templates >

Audio & Video

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Featured Video

Watch this humorous "Speed Matters" video CWA produced to stress the importance of a high-speed Internet connection.

more videos >

Featured Audio 

Listen to CWA’s “Deal or No Deal” radio spot opposing the FairPoint-Verizon merger in New England.


more audios>

 


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What's Hot

Senators Clinton and Obama spoke to the CWA Legislative-Poltical Conference.
Click here to watch Senator Clinton's speech.
Click here to watch Senator Obama's speech.

CWA's 2008 Legislative-Political Conference brought a force of 650 CWAers to Capitol Hill. 

Remarks of CWA President Larry Cohen at 2008 Legislative-Political Conference.  

CWA President Larry Cohen briefed Senators and staff on labor meetings with Colombian trade unionists and reinforced the call to reject the Colombia Free Trade Agreement.  

An inspiring account by Local 1037 organizing director Anne Luck on the visit to India's Self Employed Women's Association. More photos inside.  

 

In an exciting new development, CWA, the Steelworkers, UAW and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers will be working together in a new strategic alliance.  

Safety and Health Focus: OSHA Whistleblower Protection

The Website of the Week belongs to CWA Local 9414 of Chico, CA. For information on creating or maintaining your local's site, click here.

VZB tech Virginia Arce tells the New York City Council that workers want a union voice but Verizon is blocking their way.  

 
Arce with members of Locals 1101 and 1180 

Delta Flight Attendants file for AFA-CWA representation. Read more here.  

The CWA Executive Board has established key Goals for 2008 for the international union and its districts, sectors and divisions.  Click here.

Download CWA's New Electrical Safety Brochure!
CWA has produced a 16-page booklet called Reducing Electrical Hazards. The booklet details critical safety procedures and equipment for indoor and outdoor technicians who work near electrical power. To download or order copies, click here.

Eighteen Democratic Governors call on U.S. Senate leaders to support the Employee Free Choice Act and restore workers' rights. Read more here

19,000 AT&T Wireless Employees Have Gained a Voice
Join now with the 40,000 AT&T workers who have CWA representation.

 

CWA Communications Department | 501 Third Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 | (202) 434-1168 | Contact Us