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… Continued SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN HELP BATTERY FARMED ANIMALS
TIPS FOR WRITING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the editor are an easy and effective way to raise public awareness about the conditions that factory farmed animals live in. They give you a chance to comment on a particular item that has just been in the news, or to correct the facts of a misleading, biased or inaccurate article or letter. Some politicians also see letters to the editor as a display of public feeling on an issue. Best of all though, they cost nothing but a little time and thought and they will be read by thousands of people!
When writing a letter to the editor there are a few basic guidelines that you should follow to increase your chances of getting published.
Firstly, always follow the stated guidelines of the paper or magazine that you are writing to. These are usually outlined in the letters column.
Keep your letters brief, clear and to the point. Two to three short paragraphs (less than 150 words) is all you need to briefly address an issue. A short letter is more likely to be published than a long letter, due to space requirements.
Begin the letter by referencing the article in question, mention the author, and the date or issue in which it was published. "I read with interest the editorial/letter/article <put title here>, <date printed>, in which <author> said that ...".
When rebutting someone's article or letter, help them understand why they are wrong by presenting clear and sound arguments. Do not attack them personally.
If possible always use facts and figures. This will add to your credibility and help to convince the reader of your arguments. Make sure they are correct, otherwise you will lose all credibility.
Try to be positive. Negative or insulting letters turn readers (and editors) off.
Remember to include your name and address. Most papers and magazines won't print letters otherwise.
Your letter has a much greater chance of being published if it is connected with a recent news item or current event.
Lastly, if they don't print your letter, then try another version and re-send it.
To see an example of a letter to the editor please go to the next page, you will also find examples of letters to the Minister of Agriculture and the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.
LETTER WRITING TIPS & SAMPLES
A quick letter is a good way of voicing your protest about factory pig farming. Here are a few samples that you can use when writing to the Minister of Agriculture or to the various producer boards.
Remember to include a return address if you would like a reply. (By law all letters to Parliament must be replied to.)
You don't have to write a novel or anything long, a few sentences are usually sufficient.
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