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I’d like to help make 100% Access by 2008 a reality in my community!
Write an opinion piece on access to health care for your local paper
The op-ed section of a newspaper allows readers to share their
opinions. If you have direct experience with or knowledge of the uninsured issue
(for example, if you are a doctor or nurse who treats people without health insurance),
and you have insights to share on this topic, you should consider writing one.
The following pointers will help you get your op-ed piece published:
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Have a news hook. Tying
your piece to an event, new research study findings, or a legislative debate
will increase your chance of getting published. For example, a newspaper report
on new research about health coverage in America would be an excellent hook.
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Keep it brief. Newspapers
have limited space and editors don’t have the time to cut your piece down to
size. In general, 750 to 800 words will do.
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Make a single point. You
only have 750-800 words. Make one point clearly and persuasively.
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Avoid jargon. Simple language
ensures that all readers, even non-experts, can understand your point. For example,
don’t use acronyms or technical language.
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Use examples. Illustrations,
anecdotes are personal stories are persuasive tools. They help explain and bring
to life complicated issues.
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Make a specific recommendation.
This is an opinion piece. State your opinion on how to improve matters.
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Draw the reader in. Your
first paragraph should draw in the reader by using a dramatic vignette or a
well-stated argument.
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End with a bang. Your final
paragraph is as important as your opening paragraph. Be sure to summarize your
argument in one strong final paragraph.
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Follow-up. Most op-ed editors
will respond to you within a week. If you haven’t heard in that time frame or
if your piece is particularly time sensitive, you can make one follow-up phone
call to be sure it was received.
Make sure your article is double-spaced with wide margins. List
your name, address, phone, fax, and e-mail contact information at the top of the
opinion piece. Find out from your local paper the best way to send an op-ed. Instructions
for submitting an op-ed are usually at the bottom of the page where they appear
or on the paper’s web site. Some papers like them mailed; others prefer faxes,
while others favor e-mails.
Letters to the Editor is one of the most widely read sections
in a newspaper. Responding to an editorial or article that’s published in your
local paper is a good way to express yourself about the issue of the uninsured.
These tips will help:
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Link to current news. Editors
are interested in printing feedback from stories recently published in their
papers.
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Make one clear argument.
The piece should be in favor of or critical of a particular position taken by
a paper or described in an article.
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Be specific. The letter
should focus on a specific issue that was raised in an article or opinion piece.
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Cite the article. Be sure
to mention the title and date of the article you’re responding to in one of
your first two sentences. For example “Dear Editor, Your recent coverage of
the uninsured (Healthcare in America, May 13th) was a thoughtful piece…”
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Stay calm. One exclamation
point per letter. Don’t attack anyone personally, stick to the facts, and keep
the letter respectful.
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Be brief. Generally, four-to-six
paragraphs are ideal. If you can’t contain the piece to that length, consider
writing an op-ed instead.
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Follow-up. If you have
sent your letter to the editor and haven’t heard anything within a week, make
a follow-up call to check on its status. Be aware that editors receive hundreds
of letters and may not immediately respond to you.
Remember, you must include your name, address, and daytime phone
number in your letter. Instructions for submitting a letter to the editor are
usually at the bottom of the page where they appear or on the paper’s website.
Find out from your local paper the best way to send a letter. Some papers like
them mailed; others prefer faxes, while others favor e-mails.
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