Voices for Wildlife >> Public Engagements
Resources to get involved
What makes an effective public comment?
When commenting on proposed Federal rule making actions, there are misconceptions that reduce the effectiveness of one’s submission. We want to help you make the greatest impact when voicing your perspectives to a Federal agency during a public comment period. Visit our manual for some helpful tips and links.
How do I write a letter to the editor?
Choose your publication: Don’t hesitate to send your letter to multiple media outlets.
Grab readers’ attention. The first sentence is the most important – state your main point right away. Make it personal. Tell your story. Be specific.
Give a brief background. Don’t assume your audience is as well informed as you are about the issue. Use language that’s easy to understand.
Be concise. Stay well under word limits. The shorter your letter, the more likely it’ll be published. If you want to write a longer piece, ask the editor if you can submit an opinion feature or guest column.
Proofread and edit. Improve clarity and catch mistakes by reading your letter aloud. Ask someone else to read it too.
Sign the letter with your full name (and title, if relevant), address, e-mail, and phone number. The paper will want to verify who you are.
Make a follow up phone call to the editorial page editor one day after you submit your letter. Ask if your letter was received and make a quick pitch about why the paper should print it.
How can I contact the media?
Alaska Dispatch News | letters@adn.com | Fax: 907.258.2157 |
Deadline: Rolling | Word limit: 155 Letter to the editor; 675 Compass Piece
Anchorage Press | info@anchoragepress.com | Fax: 907.561.7777
The Northern Light (UAA) | nlopinions@uaa.alaska.edu
Juneau Empire | editor@juneauempire.com | Fax: (907) 586-3028 |
Word limit: 400 Letters to the editor; 700 "My Turn" guest editorials
Capital City Weekly | editor@capweek.com | Fax: 907.789.0987 |
Word limit: 500
Homer News | letters@homernews.com | Fax: 907.235.4199
Homer Tribune | letters@homertribune.com | Fax: 907.235.3716 |
Peninsula Clarion | news@peninsulaclarion.com | Fax: 907.283.3299
Kodiak Daily Mirror | editor@kodiakdailymirror.com | 907.486.3227 | Fax: 907.486.3088 |
Word limit: 350 | Deadline: Two days (i.e. submit Tues, published Thurs)
Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman | info@frontiersman.com | 907-352-2250 | Fax: 907.352.227
Seward Phoenix Log | logrussell@gci.net | Fax: 907.224.3157
