RESPOND WITH A LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO ANY ARTICLE IN YOUR HOME
TOWN NEWSPAPER ON CUTS AFFECTING PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.
Watch for articles on Governor Schwarzenegger's cut proposals in
your home town newspaper.
Articles will appear regularly that either just mention the budget cuts
or are feature stories. We need to respond immediately to any stories in
our hometown newspapers with a letter to the editor. Ask your friends and
relatives to write also!
(A
list of proposed budget cuts with ideas for talking points are found at
BUDGET CRISIS).
WHY:
This administration rules through PR. The battleground will be as much in
the media and press as in the Legislature. Newspapers need to know that
these proposed cuts are horrific, that children and families will be hurt
very badly, and that their readership cares. If we don't tell them, they
will not know, the public will not know, and policy makers will assume
that we are not a visible constituency. Letters are the simplest easiest
way to have an impact - we can all do it. We need to flood the papers with
letters. Policy makers always have staff scan the letters to the editor
and report to them what issues surface.
WHO should write:
Everyone.
WHAT to write:
The best letters are SHORT (less than 200 words) and to the point and
reflect your own experience or the people you know - But most
important is just to write! Very few letters get published, but every
letter that is sent improves our chances of getting some letters printed.
And ALL letters tell the Editorial Board that these issues matter.
A great technique is to give yourself 15 minutes and send what
you have. That makes it short and from the heart. The results can be
amazing.
What NOT to do is to spend hours trying to make it just right - it
will never be just right, and you'll never send it! Don't try and
cover everything you want to say - you can't. Don't try and
solve the state's problems, focus on our own - focus on what the cuts mean
to you or the people you know. Don't try and be perfect - just
write. They need to hear from us.
It is best to reference the article in your letter, for example,
"Saturday's article on Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts to disabled
children..." or "Your article, 'Disabled Rally at Capitol,' ..."
WHERE and HOW to send:
Check
the editorial page of your newspaper for directions, including word limit
and where to send.
Usually we are asked to include our name, address and daytime
phone number. Street addresses and phone numbers are not published.
Letters can usually be sent by mail, fax, or e-mail. (Do NOT send e-mail
attachments).
If you have questions contact :
mpolit@caic.org
