A Letter to the Editor (LTE) is a short, public response to an article, editorial, or op-ed in a newspaper or online media outlet. It’s a free and effective way to voice your opinion, provide additional context, or highlight key issues that matter to your community. Lawmakers and decision-makers often pay attention to LTEs, making them a powerful tool for advocacy. Because they are shorter and often easier to place than op-eds, LTEs offer a great opportunity to amplify your message and engage the public in important conversations about paid family and medical leave.
Generally, shorter letters—200 words or less—have a better chance of being published. Include the following elements:
- Salutation: To the Editor
- Strong opening: Tell readers your point of view and why it should matter to them.
- Explain the issue and its importance: Use simple, plain language with supporting points or data to back up your arguments.
- Call for action or offer ways to learn more.
- Sign the author’s full name and title if relevant.
Every outlet has different submission guidelines, so you should check the guidelines for the news outlet that you are responding to verify length and submission requirements. This can usually be found on the media outlet’s website under the Opinion section. You can see an example of an outlet’s submission guidelines here and an online tool that will help you draft an LTE here.
Below are examples of letters to the editor that incorporate NCIT’s paid family and medical leave messaging:
Download the Customizable Letter to the Editor Expressing Agreement
Download the Customizable Letter to the Editor Expressing Disagreement
Learn more about how to write and leverage an LTE, op-ed, or blog post.
Example: Letter to the Editor 1 – Agreement
To the Editor of [insert name of newspaper or media outlet],
I applaud the recent article, [insert headline and publication date], highlighting the urgent need for paid family and medical leave. Ensuring that all workers have access to paid leave—especially during the crucial early years of a child’s life—is one of the most effective ways to set children and families up to thrive.
The first three years of a child’s life is a period of rapid brain development, and the care infants and toddlers receive during this time has lifelong impacts. Yet, too many parents and caregivers are forced to forego bonding with and caring for their young children during this critical stage of development. Paid leave helps ensure that parents and caregivers can care for their children without sacrificing their income or job security.
Research shows that paid leave improves infant and maternal health, supports financial stability, and strengthens our workforce. It’s a policy that benefits children, families, businesses, and our economy. We must act now to ensure every child gets the strong start they deserve by passing comprehensive paid leave policies.
[Signature]Example: Letter to the Editor 2 – Disagreement
To the Editor of [insert name of newspaper or media outlet],
Your recent coverage of [state the issue; do not repeat the erroneous information] overlooks a critical point: [state your position or policy priority, or use this general statement: Paid family and medical leave is not just an employee benefit—it is critical to the well-being of babies, families, and our broader economy.]
The first three years of a child’s life are a time of immense brain growth and development, and when parents and caregivers have the time and financial security to care for their young children, the benefits extend far beyond the family. Research consistently shows that paid leave leads to healthier babies, lower rates of maternal depression, improved long-term outcomes for children, and benefits business and the economy.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, most parents and caregivers in the U.S. are forced to forego bonding with and caring for their young children during this critical stage of development because we lack a national paid leave policy. This is unacceptable. We must prioritize policies that give families the support they need to raise the next generation of healthy, thriving children.
[Signature]