Writing a letter to the editor is one of the simplest—and most effective—ways local Democratic clubs can amplify the Democratic Economic Boycott and shape public conversation in their communities.
Letters to the editor matter because they:
Reach a large and engaged local audience
Are closely monitored by elected officials and their staff
Reinforce that an issue has community-wide relevance, not just partisan interest
Help normalize coordinated action between elections
Position your local Democratic club as a visible civic leader
Well-written letters routinely reach thousands of readers—and often have more influence than social media posts or online comments.
Most newspapers enforce strict word limits (often 150–300 words). Stick to one clear point and make it quickly. Editors are more likely to publish concise letters—and may cut longer ones without notice.
Editors prioritize letters that feel local, not generic. Whenever possible:
Reference your city, county, or neighborhood
Connect the issue to local businesses, workers, or community values
Mention recent local events, meetings, or public concerns
Example openings:
“Here in Placer County, we pride ourselves on civic engagement and peaceful participation…”
“As a resident of Auburn, I’ve watched national extremism show up closer to home…”
Many papers will only publish letters that respond to something they’ve already covered. In your first sentence, reference:
A recent news story
An editorial or op-ed
A local public meeting or event
Examples:
“I was concerned by The Bee’s recent coverage of…”
“Your article on [topic] highlights why local action matters…”
Editors are more receptive to letters that stress civic responsibility and nonviolent engagement. Frame the Democratic Economic Boycott as: Peaceful, Lawful, Values-driven and Community-based
Avoid language that sounds punitive or extreme. Focus on accountability, participation, and shared democratic values.
Write the way people speak. Avoid jargon, acronyms, or long explanations. Strong letters:
Use short paragraphs
Make one or two key points
End with a clear takeaway
Always include: Your full name, City or county, Club affiliation (if appropriate), and Email and phone number (for verification only)
Newspapers typically publish only your name and city, but they must be able to verify your identity before printing.
Don’t stop with major dailies. Weekly and community newspapers are often:
Easier to get published in
More widely read locally
Highly influential with civic leaders
If multiple club members submit letters:
Vary the wording
Emphasize different local angles
Use different openings and closings
Editors will reject identical or near-identical letters.
Letters to the editor work best when they are consistent, not one-off. Even one letter per month keeps the boycott visible, reinforces Democratic values locally, and signals sustained engagement.
This is one of the lowest-effort, highest-impact tools available to Democratic clubs—and it works.