The "Letters to the Editor" section is one of the most widely read pages of the newspaper, and can help shape the opinions of both the public and policy makers on nuclear weapons. Click here for some talking points.

Here's a template for a quick letter to the editor:

Sentence 1: What was recently in the news that prompted you to write this letter, and what about it moved you to take action? Say it in as few words as you can.

I was dismayed to see today’s editorial entitled, “New nuclear weapons are necessary for America’s long-term security.”

Sentence 2: What is the one, single most important point you want to make?

Pursuing new nuclear weapons sends a dangerous, counterproductive message to the international community and could provoke a new arms race, which is not in the best interests of US security.

Sentence 3: What is at least one fact, observation or personal statement that backs up your point? Personal anecdotes often work great here.

As a grandparent, I am dismayed to think of my granddaughter and future generations growing up in a world where nuclear attacks are still possible.

Sentence 4: In conclusion, make your point again. It’s often effective to call for specific change to help drive your point home.

Rather than build new nuclear weapons, the US should take leadership and work to create a safer, nuclear weapons free world.

Another example:

Dear Editor,

In Sen. John McCain’s recent speech on nuclear weapons, he was ambiguous about his position on new nuclear weapons like the Reliable Replacement Warhead. His statement that he would cancel further work on the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator because it “does not make strategic or political sense” sounds bold, yet funding for that new nuclear weapon was zeroed out several years ago.

Our current stockpile has been certified as meeting modern safety and reliability standards. Supporting the new, untested “Reliable” Replacement Warhead and risking the start of a new arms race makes no sense. Sen. McCain should stand up and oppose the Reliable Replacement Warhead in the Senate this year.

Sincerely,

Name, Address

More Tips:

• Use legislators’ names. If your printed letter mentions a representative or senator by name, be sure to clip it out and send it to them.
• Don't rant (not that you would). Hard hitting criticism is a big plus, but rants won't get published.
• Get to know the tone and style of letters selected by your paper.
• Check the length of the letters your paper publishes. As a rule, shorter is better.
• Use statistics and personal stories when you have them.
• Your letter should be signed and must include your address and telephone number or it won’t be published. The paper may call to verify that you wrote the letter.
• Be patient. It may take you several tries to get a letter published, but even unpublished letters have an impact.
• Work with friends or groups. Letter writing is a great group or volunteer activity, and the more letters on a given subject, the greater the chance that one or more will be published.