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'Letters to the Editor' course presented by CIB

Recording video of 3/11/2021 available at

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/0DRGhMHNNGWn5coAfr57A8fLMHGy48-aIgl_HIiOUjdWmDdZLQKKJsDRP_ANW8M.s9h1H7d3qtdOUeVe


  • Identify your audience – community, council, State representatives, social media

  • Personalize to whom you are writing and why you are writing

  • Find a “hook” – Why should they care?

  • -may be phrased as a question, a colorful story, or a catchy title

-NOT “Stop trashing DE”

  • Present the argument

  • Provide background and facts -

· stick to facts, opinions are not facts

· give basis for your thoughts, feelings

· quote studies (UD, Sea Grant, CIB, etc)

· identify any sustaining impact

  • Call to action - provide constructive solutions

  • Closing statement

  • Signature and contact information – newspapers may follow-up to verify your identity

Your name

Your area of residence

Email address and phone number

  • Keep short, 200-250 words; stay on topic, avoid rambling

  • Adopt a proper tone to convey how you want to be perceived

-helpful -complainer -belligerent

-cynical -resourceful

  • Make sure the issue is current

  • Have someone proofread for proper spelling and grammar

  • Allow 2 weeks to publish

Contact info:

Sussex County

County Administrator

Sussex County Councilmen






Sussex County Clerk

Planning & Zoning