Letters to the editor
From AFSWiki
When it comes to getting publicity in a community newspaper, the "letters to the editor" section is prime real estate. This is one of the most widely read sections of the newspaper. A letter to the editor can generate quality leads in a short amount of time—and more effectively than an announcement or feature story. It also doesn't take a lot of time to accomplish. The key is to keep it short and make it personal, not promotional. Think "word of mouth" and "testimonials."
Please remember that as an AFS Volunteer you can speak on behalf of your local Team but not on behalf of AFS-USA. Regarding issues that are controversial or sensitive in nature having to deal with AFS, please discuss writing a letter to the editor with the Director of the Marketing and Communications Department.
How do you go about preparing a letter to the editor?
1. Read an issue of the local paper you want to get published in. Most publications include the editor's name and information on how to submit letters.
2. Figure out what topic you're going to address (International Education Week, Host Family Appreciation Month, Thanksgiving, and even Graduation are great topics!). The letter should always come from the person sending it. For example, if a student is writing about his host mother, the words should be his own.
• Hosted students can thank their host families, schools, and communities while encouraging families to host incoming students. Don't forget to thank volunteers!
• One of the most beneficial things a host family can do is write about their experiences as host parents, thank the school and community, and encourage new families to host. They will set an example for people to follow in their footsteps.
• Volunteers can write letters anytime! Letters of reflection are good as well to demonstrate how much a student has contributed to the community and how wonderful it was to have the student with us.
• Go beyond families, volunteers, and students—thank schools, community-based organizations, or just the entire community for everything they did to set out the welcome mat throughout the year.
3. Letters should be kept as short as possible. Use other letters that the newspaper publishes as a guide. Of course, please include a line or two about
AFS that fits with the theme of the letter. In order to be published, the person writing the letter must include his/her contact information. Be sure to include name, address, phone, and email with the letter because many publications will contact you before printing it to verify that you sent the letter.
• Every letter should be different and personal. If hosted students are all writing letters, they should all be different and perhaps sent to different publications. If students want to collaborate on one letter, all must sign the letter.
4. After the signature at the bottom of the letter, please include a brief explanation of AFS. For example: If you are interested in hosting an AFS Exchange Student or studying abroad, please call (local contact name) at (phone) or visit www.afsusa.org.
5. Read all about AFS in the paper! And be sure to share the letter with us and your fellow volunteers.
Click here to download this page as a PDF.
Example letters to the editor
- Letter to the editor from a host mom in Mukwonago, WI.
- Letter to the editor from a volunteer and host mom in Maine.
- Mother's Day Letter to the Editor Template for hosted students.
- Father's Day Letter to the Editor template for hosted students.
- Letter to the editor template for hosted students to thank their family, school and community.
